AI Supported Writing in a Compare Contrast Essay

Write two items on the board:

• Online learning vs. in-person classes
• Living in a city vs. living in a small town

As pairs students discuss:

• how are these things similar?
• how are these things different?
• Which do you prefer, why?

As pairs list three similarities and three differences

As a class explain that when we examine similarities and differences between two subjects we are comparing and contrasting. This is often use in writing essays, both in school and in workplace writing.

Compare/Contrast writing is often used in college essays, workplace reports, product reviews and decision making. As a class we will practice this type of writing and learn how to use AI as a writing coach--not as a replacement for thinking and writing. 

As partners list ways we can use AI as a writing coach. Then list ways AI should not be used.

As a class make a list of how AI can be used in your classroom.

Summary: AI should/can be used for brainstorming, generating ideas, checking clarity, improving grammar, suggesting organization.

AI should NOT be used to write the whole essay for you, replace your thinking, replace peer review

Let's discuss similarities and differences in working from home or in an office. As pairs use a Venn diagram to gather your ideas. Share the ideas with the class.

A different method for brainstorming a list of similarities and differences is to use AI Prompts. There are different types of prompts: Brainstorming, Thesis, Organizational, or Revision. How would you use each one? As pairs discuss these types of prompts and how you could use them.

Clear prompts give better results. Here is an example of a weak prompt: Compare working from home and working in an office. This will give you a generice response. What does generic mean? (everyday, average, general, typical) What can we do to improve the prompt? Go back and look at your prompt examples. Are there ways to make them stronger? Share with the class some examples.

Potential answers 

• brainstorming prompt: Help me brainstorm similarities and differences between online classes and in-person classes for a compare contrast essay.
• thesis prompt: Help me write three possible thesis statements comparing online learning and classroom learning
• organizational prompt: Suggest an outline for a compare-contrast essay compaing online classes and in-person classes
• revision prompt: Here is my paragraph. Suggest ways to make it clearer and more organized.

As pairs, select one of these topics:

• online classes vs in-person classes
• renting vs owning a home
• public transportation vs driving
• learning from books vs learning from videos
• living alone vs liveing with roommates

As pairs, first brainstorm without using AI. Share ideas with a second set of student pairs. Share suggesions.

Use AI to add ideas. As pairs discuss AI's suggestions? Better? Did you like any of them? why or why not? Then join with the second pair to share AI suggestions.

Students create a Venn diagram and an outline on the topics. Check each other's diagrams and outlines. Offer suggestions.

Peer review questions: 

1. Are there at least three strong comparison points?
2. Are the ideas clear?
3. Is there anything missing?

Write Introduction and body paragraphs

With the AI and peer suggestions, students write their introduction and body paragraphs. Share this draft with partner. Discuss and make suggestions.

Peer Review Questions:

1. Does the essay clearly compare two subjects?
2. Is the structure clear?
3. Are the similarities and differences explained clearly?
4. Are examples included?

As part of the Peer Review, each student writes 2 strengths and 2 suggestions. If desired have one pair share with a second set.

AI Revision

Each student, ask AI to revise sentences for clarity keeping student's ideas. Also AI can assist with grammar, spelling, punctuation

Students take in suggestions made by their peers and AI (teachers suggestions too). Evaluate which suggestion they want to use. Create the final draft. You may want to share the criteria rubric with the students at this point. (see evaluation)

After the essays have been turned in and evaluated, gather the class, review  the assessment rubric:

Criteria 5 points (if well done) total of 30 points

• clear introduction of essay
• organization
• comparision points
• supporting details
• clarity and grammar
• use of feedback

Select several of the class students' essays. Without identifying the authors, share essays demonstrating excellent work in each of the criteria.

Discuss with students 

• How did AI help your writing?
• What did your peer reveiwer notice that you missed?
• What part of the essay was the hardest?

Discuss how AI can be used as a tool, not a shortcut.