What AI Is Good At (and What It Isn’t)

Strengths You Can Leverage

• Brainstorming topics and questions to narrow your focus.
• Outlining logical sections, headings, and transitions.
• Explaining concepts in simpler terms to deepen understanding.
• Generating examples or counterarguments to test your thesis.
• Editing for clarity and flow—rewriting awkward sentences or tightening paragraphs.

Limits You Must Address

• AI can produce outdated or incorrect facts. Verify with reliable sources.
• AI doesn’t know your assignment’s rubrics; you must align outputs with criteria.
• AI can sound generic. You must add original analysis, evidence, and voice.

Step 1: Clarify the Assignment

Begin by pasting your prompt (if allowed) and asking AI to restate the requirements in a checklist. This ensures you understand the scope, length, sources, and formatting style.

Starter Prompt

“Here is my essay assignment: [paste]. Create a checklist of requirements (topic scope, word count, sources, citation style, deliverables) and suggest three viable thesis directions.”

Use the checklist to plan your research. Mark items you will complete manually (e.g., finding peer-reviewed sources) and where AI will help (e.g., drafting an outline).

Step 2: Research and Source Gathering (Ethically)

Ask AI to suggest keywords and search queries for academic databases. Do not treat AI output as a primary source; instead, use it to accelerate your search.

Prompts to Try

• “Suggest scholarly search queries for this thesis: [thesis]. Include synonyms and related terms.”
• “List key theorists, models, or datasets relevant to [topic] that I should review.”

After you gather sources, request a summary framework (not a substitute for reading) to map arguments and gaps you will address.

Step 3: Develop a Strong Thesis

Share a tentative thesis and ask AI for objections, implications, and refinements. Use the friction to sharpen your claim.

Refinement Prompt

“Here is my tentative thesis: [text]. Provide 3 counterarguments with evidence types I could use to rebut them. Suggest a tighter version under 30 words.”

A good thesis is specific, debatable, and testable with evidence. Don’t move on until it meets those criteria.

Step 4: Outline with Sections and Evidence

Ask AI to produce a hierarchical outline (H2/H3) that pairs each claim with evidence you will provide (quotations, data, or case studies). This keeps the draft grounded.

Outline Prompt

“Create an outline with H2/H3 headings for an essay of ~1,500 words on [thesis]. For each section, include: claim, evidence type, and transition to the next section.”

Revise the outline to match your voice and sources. Insert citations placeholders (e.g., [Author, Year]) so you won’t forget later.

Step 5: Draft Paragraphs Collaboratively

Draft one section at a time. Feed AI your outline point, the source notes you’ll cite, and your desired tone. Emphasize that the draft should be supportive, not definitive.

Focused Drafting Prompt

“Write a 170–220 word paragraph that argues [claim]. Use a cautious academic tone, define key terms in one sentence, and end with a sentence that links to [next section]. Do not fabricate sources; insert [citation] placeholders.”

Now add your own analysis, integrate quotations or statistics from your sources, and verify every factual statement. The goal is a human-led, evidence-based paragraph.

Step 6: Strengthen Intros, Conclusions, and Transitions

AI can help polish hooks, thesis previews, and closing implications. Provide your rough version and ask for alternatives with different rhetorical strategies (contrast, question, brief anecdote).

Upgrade Prompt

“Here is my introduction. Suggest two variations: one that opens with a surprising statistic and one that opens with a brief historical contrast. Keep my thesis intact.”

For conclusions, request a version that answers “so what?” and outlines limitations and future research—hallmarks of strong academic writing.

Step 7: Cite Sources and Avoid Plagiarism

Use AI to format citations (APA, MLA, Chicago), but confirm details against your style guide. Do not allow AI to invent page numbers or URLs. When paraphrasing, compare your sentence to the source to ensure it is meaningfully rewritten and properly attributed.

Bibliography Helper Prompt

“Format these references in APA 7th: [paste metadata]. Return only the reference list, alphabetized, with hanging indents.”

Step 8: Edit for Clarity, Style, and Coherence

Ask AI for targeted edits: conciseness, parallel structure, active voice, and flow. Keep your voice; reject changes that make the prose generic.

Editing Prompts

• “Condense this paragraph by 15% without losing meaning.”
• “Highlight vague claims and suggest specific evidence I should add.”
• “Identify logical gaps between these two sections and propose transitions.”

Finally, read aloud to catch rhythm issues and run a grammar checker. Human review is essential.

Sample Workflow (Copy & Adapt)

FAQ: Using AI in Academic Writing

Is it okay to use AI for essays?

Yes—if your institution permits it and you use AI for support (planning, editing, formatting) rather than replacing your original analysis. Always follow your course policy.

How do I keep my voice?

Provide style instructions (e.g., “confident but cautious,” “avoid buzzwords”) and edit aggressively. Insert your experiences, examples, and unique reasoning.

How do I avoid errors?

Fact-check everything and cite primary sources. Don’t accept claims without verification.