22 ✨AI Enhanced Workshop: Writing a Powerful Thesis Statement
This activity will guide you through the process of developing a strong, effective thesis statement for your argumentative essay using AI as a collaborative tool. You will use either Gemini or ChatGPT for this activity. While other AI options exist, these are the two approved for this assignment. All interactions with the AI must be viewable by the instructor. You will be sharing a link to the complete chat log, and your grade will be based on this record of your work.
Instructions:
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Learn About Thesis Statements: Review the following resources on thesis statements. You may choose to review all or a selection, but you must take personal notes on what you learn. These notes will be shared with the AI and contribute to your grade.
- How to Write a Thesis Statement (Video)
- How to Write an Essay: Thesis Statements (Video)
- How to Make a Thesis Statement the Easy Way (Kibin Infographic)
- Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements (Purdue University Website)
- How to Create a Strong Thesis Statement (Virginia Wesleyan University Handout)
- Thesis Statements (University of North Carolina Website)
- Tips on Writing a Thesis Statement (Gustavus Adolphus College Website)
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AI Interaction: Note Review and Understanding Check: Log in to either Gemini or ChatGPT (using your account, not guest access). Share your notes on thesis statements with the AI and ask it to check their accuracy and completeness.
“Here are my notes on thesis statements: [paste your notes]. Can you review these notes and tell me if they are accurate and if I’ve missed anything important? Please summarize the key points for me.”
If the AI’s output isn’t what you expect, rephrase your request. Review the AI’s response. If it corrects any of your understandings, ask follow-up questions. Summarize any additional tips the AI provides in your own words and ask it to check your understanding of these new tips.
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AI Interaction: Guided Questioning and Feedback: Ask the AI to ask you questions about thesis statements, one at a time, for you to answer and receive feedback.
“To make sure I understand thesis statements, can you ask me some questions about them and critique my answers? Please ask only one question at a time.”
Answer at least five questions, ensuring you understand the correct answers. Ask for clarification when needed.
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AI Interaction: Thesis Statement Practice and Feedback: Tell the AI you will provide example thesis statements you’ve written and want feedback on their strengths and weaknesses without the AI rewriting them for you. Repeat this at least three times, writing thesis statements on different argumentative essay topics (e.g., social media, privacy, standardized testing, student debt, animal testing, capital punishment, dress codes).
“I’ve written this thesis statement: [paste your thesis statement]. I’d like feedback on its strengths and weaknesses, but please do not rewrite it for me.”
Correct and challenge the AI as needed. If it offers alternative phrasings despite your instructions, remind it of your request. If the AI provides examples instead of waiting for your thesis statements, remind it that you are providing the examples now and want feedback on your work.
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AI Interaction: Thesis Development for Your Essay (Context and Working Thesis): Now, focus on the thesis statement for your actual essay topic. Tell the AI your topic, your essay goals, and any other relevant information about your planned approach. Share a working thesis statement and ask for feedback on its quality without rewriting it for you.
“My essay topic is [your topic]. My goals for this essay are [your goals]. Here’s my working thesis statement: [paste your thesis statement]. Please evaluate the clarity, specificity, and arguability of this thesis statement. Provide feedback on its strengths and weaknesses, but please do not offer alternative phrasings.”
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AI Interaction: Collaborative Thesis Refinement: Use the AI’s feedback to refine your thesis. Share your revised thesis and again request feedback without alternative phrasings. Continue revising until you have a strong, focused thesis statement. Remember, you are in control of the writing process. Challenge the AI’s advice if it seems incorrect or leads to a weaker thesis.
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Submission:
- Sharable Chat Link: Create a sharable link to the entire chat log, showing all your interactions with the AI. Ensure the link shares the complete dialogue, not just the last prompt.
- Final Thesis Statement: Separately, in the assignment submission area, write the final thesis statement you developed for your essay.