Below is an example taken directly from ChatGPT when given the following prompt “write an 8th grade essay on the main conflicts in Tom Sawyer.” The writing is likely going to be an obvious improvement over many students’ writing styles, however it takes much of the work out of generating the content.
There are AI content detectors such as the one on https://writer.com/ai-content-detector/ that will help you determine if student work is original. The text below received a likelihood score of 11% that it was generated by a human.
Tom Sawyer, a classic novel by Mark Twain, follows the adventures of a young boy growing up in the antebellum South. Throughout the book, Tom faces a number of conflicts that test his courage, integrity, and sense of right and wrong.
One of the main conflicts in the novel is Tom’s struggle with authority. Tom is a mischievous and adventurous boy, and he often finds himself at odds with the adult figures in his life. For example, Tom frequently defies the rules of his Aunt Polly and the other adults in his community. He also clashes with the strict and unforgiving schoolteacher, Mr. Dobbins. Tom’s rebellious nature causes him to get into trouble and creates conflict with those in positions of authority.
Another conflict in the novel is Tom’s internal struggle with his own conscience. Throughout the book, Tom grapples with his moral compass, trying to determine what is right and wrong. This is especially evident in the conflict between Tom’s desire to be honest and his fear of getting into trouble. For example, when Tom and his friend Huck Finn find a large sum of money, Tom is torn between turning it in and keeping it for himself. This conflict ultimately leads Tom to make the difficult decision to do the right thing and turn in the money, even though it means facing punishment.
A third conflict in the novel is Tom’s relationship with Huck Finn, a poor and unruly boy who is an outcast in the community. Tom and Huck have a complex and at times strained friendship, as they come from very different backgrounds and have different values. However, despite their differences, the boys ultimately form a strong bond and work together to overcome their conflicts.
Overall, Tom Sawyer is a coming-of-age story that explores the many conflicts that young people face as they grow and learn about the world around them. Through his adventures and struggles, Tom learns valuable lessons about responsibility, honesty, and loyalty, and ultimately emerges a wiser and more mature person.
As a teacher, you may be wondering if it is appropriate to use OpenAI in the classroom. Find out more on this topic here: https://edtechchris.com/2023/01/02/should-we-use-openai-in-the-classroom/
