I have been playing around with chat GPT and while I do think it does a good job at creating very basic essays, there is still room for improvement on those essays. I have found that the essays appear cold and detached from the subject matter. In addition, it has difficulty pulling in specific examples not specified by the prompt. Instead of shying away from chat GPT, utilize it. Have them put a prompt into chat GPT and then write down the things the AI did and what the chat can improve upon. Then have the student rewrite the essay applying the changes they suggested.

To give and example:

I ran the prompt “Write a 1000 word essay discussing how Pride and Prejudice’s underlying themes are still relevant in the 21st century” and it produced the essay below.

“Pride and Prejudice, written by Jane Austen in the late 18th century, is a timeless classic that has remained popular for over 200 years due to its relatable themes and enduring messages. One of the most prominent themes in the novel is the importance of first impressions and the dangers of judging others based on surface level appearances. This theme is still highly relevant in the 21st century, as we continue to live in a world where people are judged based on their appearance, wealth, and social status.

Another significant theme in Pride and Prejudice is the role of societal expectations and the pressure to conform to certain standards. In the novel, the characters are expected to marry for wealth and status, rather than for love. This theme is still relevant today, as people often feel pressure to conform to societal expectations of success and achievement, rather than following their own passions and desires.

The theme of pride and its negative consequences is also prevalent in Pride and Prejudice. The character of Mr. Darcy is initially portrayed as proud and arrogant, and his pride causes him to make mistakes and alienate those around him. This theme is still relevant today, as many people struggle with feelings of pride and the temptation to put their own ego above the needs of others.

In addition to these themes, Pride and Prejudice also explores the theme of gender roles and the limited opportunities available to women in the 19th century. The main female characters in the novel, Elizabeth Bennet and her sisters, are constrained by the expectations placed upon them as women and are not afforded the same freedoms and opportunities as their male counterparts. While the situation has improved for women in the 21st century, gender inequality is still a significant issue and women continue to face barriers and discrimination in many areas of life.

One of the most powerful themes in Pride and Prejudice is the transformative power of love and the ability for people to change and grow. Throughout the novel, we see the characters undergo significant personal growth as they learn to let go of their pride and prejudices and open themselves up to love and connection. This theme is still highly relevant in the 21st century, as people continue to search for love and connection and strive to better themselves in the process.

In conclusion, the themes in Pride and Prejudice are still highly relevant in the 21st century. The novel’s exploration of first impressions, societal expectations, pride, gender roles, and the transformative power of love are all themes that continue to resonate with readers today. Despite being written over 200 years ago, Pride and Prejudice remains a timeless classic that speaks to the enduring human experience.”

While it is a well written essay it could use some improvement. Phrases are repeated in a way that it feel like you are saying the same thing over and over (despite being different points). So the student may suggest changing vocabulary and restructuring some sentences. The essays states that there are themes that are relevant but fails to insert specific examples from both the books and things that happen in the 21st century. So the student might suggest inserting these specific examples (with citation). The student may also suggest only including one or two relevant themes so that they can stay within the word count but still have specific examples.

Chat GPT is a tool much like a calculator. Student can learn as much, if not more, breaking down the essays from AI compared to the old way of writing essays. Embracing it can help your students.