Writing with AI, Honestly

A coach, not a ghostwriter

There's a big difference between these two requests:

• "Write my essay on social media regulation." The AI does the thinking. You learn nothing, the result sounds like everyone else's, and in most courses it isn't allowed.
• "Here's my paragraph. List what's unclear or weak. Don't rewrite it." You do the thinking; the AI points at problems; you fix them and get better at writing.

The second approach keeps the work yours and keeps you within most schools' rules. Always check your course's AI policy first: if it says no AI in assessed writing, that includes feedback on drafts.

Plan your own argument

A good plan is half the essay. Give the AI your position and points, and ask only for structure:

My essay question is "Should social media be regulated in Nigeria?"
My position: yes, but lightly, with strong protection for free speech.
My points: misinformation during elections, cyberbullying of young people,
the risk that regulation is used to silence critics. Suggest a structure
with an introduction, three body sections and a conclusion, and tell me
what kind of evidence each section needs. Don't write any of the essay.

Then write each section yourself, following the plan and using sources you've found and read.

Ask for problems, not rewrites

Here's a real-style draft paragraph from a student essay:

Social media has many effects on society in this modern day and age. In
today's world, there is no doubt that social media has both advantages and
disadvantages that affect people in various ways. Some people believe it
should be regulated while some people believe it should not be regulated.
Misinformation is a problem. In conclusion, regulation is important.

Instead of "improve this", ask for a list:

Here is a paragraph from my essay. Don't rewrite it. List the 4 biggest
problems with it, in order of importance, and explain each in one sentence.

A good reply:

1. No clear point: the paragraph never says what it argues.
2. Filler: "in this modern day and age" and "in today's world" say the same
   thing and add nothing.
3. No evidence or example: "misinformation is a problem" needs a specific
   case or source.
4. "In conclusion" in a body paragraph confuses the reader, and the final
   sentence doesn't follow from what came before.

Now you fix each problem. That's the learning: next time, you won't write the filler in the first place.

Say how you used it

If your course allows AI, it may ask you to declare how you used it. A short, specific, honest note is enough:

I used ChatGPT to suggest a structure for this essay and to list problems in two draft paragraphs, which I then revised myself. All research, arguments and writing are my own.

Be specific about what you used it for. "I used AI" alone tells the reader nothing.

Try it