ChatGPT is an incredibly useful tool for essay writing. With the right prompts, it can help generate ideas, outline arguments, and even provide feedback on drafts. As a writer myself, I’ve found ChatGPT to be a game-changing assistant.
In this article, I’ll share my top prompts for getting the most out of ChatGPT for essay writing, from brainstorming to editing. I’ve spent hours experimenting with different prompts and approaches, so hopefully you’ll find these tips helpful!
Brainstorming and Outlining
When facing a blank page, getting started with writing can be intimidating. That’s where ChatGPT comes in handy.
Here are a few prompts I use to kickstart the brainstorming process:
- “Provide 5 potential thesis statements about [essay topic] that are nuanced and debatable”
- “Give an outline for a 5 paragraph analytical essay on [essay topic] with Roman numeral headings and lettered subheadings”
- “List 5 pieces of evidence I could use to support an argument about [essay topic]”
I especially like asking ChatGPT to propose thesis statements. It comes up with interesting takes that I would never think of on my own.
Once you’ve settled on a thesis, request a detailed outline. The structure helps organize your thoughts before writing.
Drafting Key Sections
My favorite prompt for drafting is:
- “Write a 400-word introduction for an essay supporting the statement [thesis statement]. Use an attention-grabbing opening, provide context, and explain the rationale.”
I plug in my thesis and let ChatGPT work its magic. More often than not, it delivers an intriguing introduction I can build on.
You can also prompt it to draft other key sections like:
- The conclusion
- A body paragraph
- A counterargument and rebuttal
Getting these hard-to-write pieces down first makes completing the full essay much less intimidating.
Improving Your Draft
Once you’ve written a complete first draft, ChatGPT can provide constructive feedback through prompts like:
- “Read this essay draft and highlight the strongest elements with bold text. Provide 2-3 suggestions for improvement using italic text.”
- “Evaluate the persuasiveness of this essay on a scale of 1-10. List 3 reasons for your rating.”
- “Which body paragraph has the weakest evidence supporting its claim? Suggest 1 additional example the author could use to strengthen it.”
Pay close attention to ChatGPT’s proposed edits. Whether reworking an underdeveloped paragraph or addressing biased language, its recommendations push me to refine my writing.
I also appreciate when ChatGPT rates my essay’s persuasiveness. Seeing a mediocre 6 rating motivates me to better support my thesis.
Avoiding Plagiarism
While ChatGPT can provide writing inspiration, be careful not to plagiarize its work. Prompts that generate original ideas are fine, but do not copy full paragraphs it composes.
I recommend these practices:
- Use quotes only for short, impactful phrases
- Paraphrase longer passages in your own words
- Cite any sources, including ChatGPT
Follow these ethical writing standards, and ChatGPT can significantly improve your essay while maintaining academic integrity.
Useful Websites:
I hope these ChatGPT prompts spark new ideas and make essay writing more manageable. This AI assistant has the potential to transform academic work if used properly. Just remember to always cite your sources!
Let me know in the comments if you have any other great prompts for essay writing. I’m continually experimenting and would love to hear what’s worked well for you. Now go start that essay draft with confidence!