AI Essay Writing Guide for Students- Use Context in ChatGPT, Claude Prompt Engineering Framework

As university students embracing AI tools like Claude, ChatGPT and Gemini, understanding the importance of context in your prompts is crucial. Let’s explore how to use context effectively for your essay writing process.

Why Context Matters in AI Prompting

Providing rich context to AI chatbots is like giving a map to a navigator. It helps the AI understand your specific needs, academic level, and assignment requirements. This results in more relevant, tailored assistance for your essays.

The RACF Prompt Engineering Framework for Effective Prompting

When crafting your prompts, consider using the RACF framework:

• 1. Role: Specify who you are (e.g., “I am a first-year university student”)
• 2. Action: Clearly state what you want the AI to do
• 3. Context: Provide detailed information about your assignment
• 4. Format: Indicate how you want the information presented

Let’s see this in action with a real example:

Student: “I am a student. I want to write essays with you. Ask me questions to get my context.”

Claude: [Asks a series of targeted questions to understand the context]

• 1. What subject or subjects are the essays for? Are they for a specific class?
• 2. Are there any particular topics or prompts you need to address in the essays?
• 3. How long do the essays need to be (e.g. number of words or pages)?
• 4. What is your current level of education (high school, college, etc.)?
• 5. When are the essays due?
• 6. Do you have any specific areas you want guidance on, such as structuring the essays, developing arguments, incorporating research, etc.?
• 7. Have you already done any research or brainstorming for the essays?

Student’s responses:

• 1. University
• 2. The Impact of Climate Change on Sri Lanka’s Coastal Ecosystems
• 3. Three pages
• 4. University first year
• 5. In 5 days
• 6. Arguments and cite research
• 7. Yes. Discuss the effect on coastal biodiversity, fisheries, and local communities. Discuss mitigation and adaptation strategies

By providing this level of context, you enable the AI to offer more precise and valuable assistance.

Watch our video for more information. 

Tips for using AI chatbots effectively to write essays

1. Idea Generation: Use the AI’s understanding of your context to brainstorm specific points relevant to your topic and academic level.

2. Targeted Research: Ask for sources or information that specifically relate to your essay’s focus, like “What are recent studies on climate change impacts on Sri Lankan fisheries?”

3. Structuring Your Argument: Use AI to help outline your essay based on the context you’ve provided, ensuring a logical flow of ideas.

4. Depth of Analysis: With a clear understanding of your academic level, the AI can suggest appropriate depth of analysis for a first-year university essay.

Remember: The AI is a Tool, Not a Substitute

While AI can provide valuable assistance, the final essay should be your own work. Use the AI-generated ideas and information as a starting point, but apply your own critical thinking, analysis, and writing style to create an original essay.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of providing context in your AI prompts is a game-changer for essay writing. It allows you to harness the power of AI tools effectively while maintaining academic integrity. By using the RACF framework and focusing on detailed context, you’ll get more relevant, useful assistance for your university essays.

Happy writing, and remember – the best essays reflect your unique understanding and insights!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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