How to Use ChatGPT to Write an Essay: A 7-Step Guide [With Prompts]

As someone who writes a load of content every day, I still find crafting a perfect essay hard. I bet I’m not the only one.

It can be incredibly challenging to organize thoughts, find the right structure for top grades, and make sure that your homework stands out above the rest.

That’s where ChatGPT comes in.

It’s all about how to use ChatGPT to write an essay to get the best results.

Plug prompts, remove the trash, and add your own style.

I’ve found the best prompts that will help you with the generative AI tools and online resources that can make your essay-writing process smoother and more effective.

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is an AI language model developed by OpenAI. It’s a virtual assistant that generates human-like text that can help you with many different writing tasks. You can ask ChatGPT to write anything for you and give you ideas from brainstorming to final edits.

It’s incredible when you try it out and see what it can come up with.

The Reasons You Need To Start Using Chat GPT: Quick Prompts

I don’t know where you have been hiding if you haven’t heard of ChatGPT yet. The platform has been the fastest-adopted technology of all time.

Writing essays or even starting an essay outline can be overwhelming, but with ChatGPT, the process becomes much more of a game than a chore.

Idea Generation

A simple and effective prompt for generating essay ideas is:

Could you please help me generate ideas for an essay on [broad topic/theme]? I’m particularly interested in [any specific aspect or angle you want to explore, if any]. The essay should be suitable for [state the context, like school, college, a blog, etc.]. I’m looking for unique perspectives or angles that cover [mention any specific elements you want to include, like historical, psychological, social, technological aspects, etc.]. Additionally, I need to adhere to [any specific guidelines or constraints like word count, formatting style, etc.].

Structural Aid

When you need help trying to organize your thoughts before starting your essay, you could ask:

I need help organizing my thoughts for an essay on [essay topic]. I’ve gathered some ideas and information on [list any subtopics, arguments, or points you have]. The essay is intended for [mention the audience or context, like school, a journal, etc.]. I’m struggling with how to structure these ideas coherently. Can you suggest an outline or framework for my essay? Additionally, I need to adhere to [any specific guidelines or constraints like word count, formatting style, etc.].

Writing Assistance

You have an essay, but you know it needs a lot of work.

ChatGPT can rewrite it and then you can edit it with your human voice:

Can you help me draft the [specify the section, e.g., introduction, conclusion, a specific body paragraph] of my essay on [essay topic]? I would like to focus on [mention specific points or arguments for this section]. The tone should be [specify the tone, e.g., formal, persuasive, informative]. Please ensure it aligns with [mention any specific style or format, e.g., APA, MLA]. Additionally, [include any other specific instructions or requirements, like word count, thesis statement, etc.]

Editing Support

Already have your essay written?

Well then use Chat GPT to Refine and Improve it by Asking:

I have written an essay on [essay topic] and I’m looking for help to refine and improve it. The essay’s main focus is [briefly describe the main argument or theme]. I specifically need assistance with [mention specific areas, such as clarity, coherence, argument strength, grammar, etc.]. Can you provide suggestions on how to enhance these aspects? The essay should adhere to [mention any specific formatting or style guidelines, if applicable]. Additionally, I’m concerned about [any particular aspect you’re unsure about, like the thesis statement, conclusion, use of evidence, etc.]

Step-by-Step Instructions On How To Use ChatGPT to Write an Essay

Using ChatGPT AI-generated work in your essay involves a specifically designed approach.

You are going to master essay writing with the help of ChatGPT by moving through these steps.

Let’s take each step and find the perfect prompts to fuel your essay.

Brainstorm Ideas
Create An Outline
Do The Draft
Improve Language
Slick Editing
Final Touches
Reflection and Review

Make sure you have access to OpenAI’s ChatGPT before starting these steps

1. Brainstorming Ideas

Begin by generating topics with ChatGPT. Ask it for a list of topic ideas or to expand on a concept you already have in mind. This will lay the strong foundation to your essay.

Generating Ideas

ChatGPT can generate a list of potential topics based on what you ask. The suggestions from ChatGPT are taken from a HUGE database that continues to grow. This is how it has information on the topics you ask for.

When Generating a List of Topics you can Use this Prompt:

Can you list potential essay topics related to [broad area or subject]? I’m particularly interested in [any specific themes, issues, or aspects you want to explore, if any]. These topics should be suitable for [state the context, like a high school assignment, college course, blog post, etc.]. Please include a mix of topics that cover different perspectives or aspects within [the broad area or subject].

If a particular suggestion from ChatGPT piques your interest, you can ask it to expand on that idea.

For instance, if one of the suggestions is about the impact of renewable energy on environmental conservation, you could ask:

Refining and Selecting a Topic

Ask for Details: Now that you have a general idea of what you want to write about, you can ask ChatGPT for more details. This might include recent developments in the field, different perspectives, or potential arguments and counterarguments.
Seeking Examples: If you need more clarity, ask ChatGPT for examples. For instance, “Can you give me specific examples of successful renewable energy projects and their environmental impacts?”
Narrowing Down: You can start narrowing down your topic based on the information and examples provided.
Confirming Your Choice: Once you’ve decided on an essay topic, you can ask ChatGPT to summarize the key points or questions your essay could address. This step ensures that you have a precise, focused topic before you start to attack the meat of it all.

Tips for Effective Brainstorming with ChatGPT

Ask Follow-Up Questions: Remember, it’s a chatbot so have a chat. Don’t hesitate to ask for more details or clarification on any of the topics or ideas provided. Don’t be scared to just keep asking for more.
Keep It Interactive: Treat your session with ChatGPT like a conversation. The more you interact, the more refined your ideas will become.

2. Create An Outline

Now you have your topic down, get ChatGPT to write you an outline.

Feed it your main points along with your own ideas, which will organize them into a logical structure before you can have a complete essay.

Initiating Outline Creation with ChatGPT

Communicate Your Topic: Start by telling ChatGPT the topic you’ve decided upon during the brainstorming stage. Be specific about your topic for the most relevant assistance and up-to-date information.
Provide Key Points: If you already have some points or ideas from your research, share them with ChatGPT. This gives the AI Chatbot a base to build upon.

Developing the Outline

So going along with the Impact of renewable energy as an example you might want to ask Chat GPT:

Requesting an Outline Structure: Prompt ChatGPT to suggest an outline structure for your topic

Can you help me create an outline for an essay on [specific topic]? I would like the essay to focus on [list any specific subtopics, angles, or questions you want to address]. The essay is intended for [mention the audience or context, like a high school class, college course, etc.]. Please structure the outline to include [any specific elements you want, such as an introduction, a certain number of body paragraphs, a conclusion, etc. If there are any particular requirements for the essay, like a word count or a specific argumentative style, please consider these in the outline].

Evaluating Suggestions: ChatGPT will generate a basic outline, typically including an introduction, body sections with key points or arguments, and a conclusion.
Expanding Sections: For each section of the outline, you can ask ChatGPT to elaborate. For example, suppose one of the body sections is about the economic benefits of renewable energy. In that case, you might ask, “What are some key points discussing the economic benefits of renewable energy?”

Refining the Outline

Customizing the Structure: Based on the initial outline provided, you can always customize it. This might involve rearranging sections, adding or removing points, or asking ChatGPT for alternative suggestions on certain parts.
Seeking Examples and Evidence: For a more robust outline, ask ChatGPT for examples or evidence supporting each section. For instance, “Can you provide examples of how to use Jiu Jitsu For Weight Loss? or “Can you provide Examples on how renewable energy has an impact on environmental conservation?”
Confirming the Final Outline: Once you’re satisfied with the structure and content of your outline, confirm it with ChatGPT. Ask for a final summary to see everything compiled together.

Finalizing the Outline

Checking for Cohesion and Flow: Review the outline to ensure it has a logical flow and that all sections cohesively build upon each other.
Setting the Stage for Drafting: The outline will guide you in writing a coherent and focused essay and using it almost as a checklist in a way to make sure you are hitting all the points you need.

Tips for Effective Outline Creation with ChatGPT

Be Specific in Your Requests: The more specific your requests to ChatGPT, the more tailored your outline will be. Go into greater detail about everything.
Iterative Process: Don’t hesitate to go back and forth with ChatGPT, refining and tweaking the outline as you conversate and keep asking for more.
Focus on Logical Flow: Ensure that the outline makes logical sense and that each point naturally leads to the next.

3. Do The Draft

ChatGPT assists in writing specific sections as you need them while also providing examples and phrases that can enrich your content.

Initiating the Drafting Process

Introduce Your Outline to ChatGPT: Begin by sharing your finalized outline with ChatGPT. This gives the AI a clear understanding of the structure and content of your essay.
Specify the Section to Work On: Focusing on one essay section at a time is really important. Tell ChatGPT which part of the outline you’re working on, whether it’s the introduction, a body paragraph, or the conclusion.

Writing Individual Sections

Requesting Draft Content: For each section, ask ChatGPT to generate a draft based on the specific points in your outline.

Use this prompt to plug all of the great stuff you have gathered up until this point:

Can you write a draft for the introduction paragraph of my essay on [essay topic]? The introduction should include [mention any specific elements you want, such as background information, a hook to engage the reader, your thesis statement, etc.]. The tone of the essay is [specify the tone, e.g., formal, persuasive, informative]. Please make sure it sets the stage for the main points I will be discussing, which are [list the main points or arguments]

Evaluating and Refining the Draft: Review the content generated by ChatGPT. You may need to correct grammar mistakes or the style in your own words to ensure they align with your voice and meet the essay’s requirements.
Expanding on Key Points: Ask ChatGPT to elaborate on the critical points for body paragraphs. Provide specific instructions like:

Can you expand on the role of artificial intelligence in healthcare with relevant statistics and examples?

Creating Cohesion and Flow

Linking Sections Together: Ensure each section transitions smoothly into the next. You can ask ChatGPT for transitional sentences or paragraphs that can connect the different parts of your essay to make sure they blend together perfectly so it doesn’t look like you randomly stuck information in.

You can use this prompt after filling in the information needed:

Can you assist me in creating transitional sentences or paragraphs for my essay to ensure it flows smoothly? The essay is structured as follows: [briefly outline your essay’s main sections or key points]. I’m looking for transitions that [specify any particular requirements, such as linking back to the thesis, introducing new arguments, or summarizing previous points]. The overall tone of the essay is [mention the tone, e.g., formal, analytical, narrative]. Please ensure that the transitions fit seamlessly within this context and help to guide the reader through the main arguments.

Maintaining Consistency: As you draft each section, maintain a consistent tone and style. ChatGPT can help make sure that the style remains uniform throughout the whole essay.

Completing the Draft

Drafting the Conclusion: For the concluding paragraph, ask ChatGPT:

Can you help me draft a conclusion for my essay on [essay topic]? The main points of my essay include [list the key arguments or themes discussed in the essay]. I would like the conclusion to succinctly summarize these points and [mention any specific requests for the conclusion, such as restating the thesis, addressing implications, making recommendations, or providing a call to action]. The tone of the conclusion should be [specify the desired tone, such as persuasive, reflective, or decisive]. Please ensure it provides a strong and impactful closing to my essay.

Reviewing the Entire Draft: Read through the entire sample essay once all of the sections have been drafted. This helps you understand the overall flow and coherence before you take it to the next level.
Making Adjustments: Based on your review, make any necessary adjustments to improve the essay’s clarity, persuasiveness, and flow.

Tips for Effective Drafting with ChatGPT

Detailed Instructions: Give ChatGPT clear and detailed instructions for each section to get the most relevant content. Use your follow-up questions to steer the ship where you want it to go.
Stay Engaged: Actively engage with the content ChatGPT generates. Edit, add your insights, and ensure they align with your argument, whether it’s a college essay or research papers.
Use as a Starting Point: You need to use ChatGPT’s output as a starting point and Build upon it with your data analysis, examples, and own unique perspective.

4. Improve Language

ChatGPT can help you improve the content-based language, style, and overall impact of your own essay. In other words we are going to use Chat GPT to make your words sound more powerful and meaningful.

Starting with a Draft

Present Your Draft to ChatGPT: Share your current essay draft with ChatGPT. This enables the AI to understand the context and content of your work. Just a quick copy and paste will do the trick.
Identify Areas for Enhancement: Before asking ChatGPT for help, identify the sections in your essay that might need more impactful language, better clarity, or a stronger argument.

Enhancing Language and Style

Improving Language: Ask ChatGPT to suggest more powerful or appropriate words and phrases. For instance, “Can you suggest more engaging language for my introduction on loan applications?”
Refining Sentences: If you have long or complex sentences, ask ChatGPT to simplify or break them down for clarity without losing meaning. Say, “Can you break this sentence down so it’s easier for the reader to understand?“ Leave a space and copy and paste that sentence in along with it.
Enhancing Descriptions and Arguments: For parts of your essay describing scenarios or presenting arguments, ask ChatGPT to make them more vivid or persuasive.

Adding Depth to Content

Incorporating Examples and Anecdotes: Request ChatGPT to provide relevant examples or anecdotes that can add depth to your points. Just fact-check every example that ChatGPT gives you.
Including Statistics and Facts: Ask ChatGPT for current and relevant data to back up your arguments, enhancing the essay’s credibility. (Again, check that these are correct with a quick Google).

Finalizing the Enhanced Draft

Reviewing Changes: After making enhancements with ChatGPT, review your essay to ensure the changes align with your original tone intent.
Seeking Feedback: If possible, get feedback on the enhanced draft. You can also ask ChatGPT for a critique of the revised essay with a simple copy and paste back into the chat bar.
Making Final Adjustments: Based on feedback and your review, make the final adjustments to your essay.

Tips for Improving Language with ChatGPT

Be Specific in Your Requests: The more specific you are about what you want to enhance, the better ChatGPT can assist you. Tell it directly and don’t leave room for wishful thinking.
Balance is Key: While enhancing your essay, balance sophisticated language and readability. Just because you have the tools to sound fancy and smart doesn’t mean your readers want to read that boring stuff.
Personal Touch: Ensure that your essay retains your personal voice, even after incorporating suggestions from ChatGPT.

5. Slick Editing

Editing is key. Use ChatGPT for grammar checks, sentence restructuring, and clarity. Get a second pair of eyes on everything, even if it’s robot eyes.

Preparing for Editing

Introduce Your Enhanced Draft to ChatGPT: Share your latest draft with ChatGPT. This allows the AI to understand the current state of your essay. Once again, a quick copy and paste should do it.
Identify Editing Goals: Determine what you need most in your editing process. It could be grammar checks, sentence restructuring, or enhancing overall readability.

Conducting Grammar and Syntax Checks

Grammar Review: With Chat GPT now knowing exactly what your up-to-date essay looks like, it can help identify and correct grammatical errors by using this Prompt:

Can you help me identify and correct grammatical errors in my essay? I have [mention the length of the essay, like a few paragraphs, several pages, etc.]. The essay is on [briefly state the topic]. I am particularly concerned about [mention any specific areas you want to focus on, like subject-verb agreement, punctuation, sentence structure, etc., if any]. Please provide corrections and suggestions to improve the grammar in my text.

Syntax Improvement: Request suggestions from ChatGPT for sentence structure improvements. This is particularly useful for complex or lengthy sentences that may confuse the reader.
Consistency Check: Ensure your essay maintains a consistent tense, voice, and style. ChatGPT can help identify any inconsistencies, you just have to ask!

Enhancing Clarity and Coherence

Clarifying Ideas: If any part of your essay is unclear or vague, ask ChatGPT to help you rephrase it for better clarity. If you can’t understand it, then how will the person reading it?
Improving Flow: Review the transitions between paragraphs and sections. Ask ChatGPT:

Can you help me improve the transitions in my essay to make it flow better? The essay is structured with [briefly describe the main sections or points of your essay]. I am finding it challenging to transition smoothly between [mention specific sections or points, if there are any particular areas of concern]. The overall tone of the essay is [indicate the tone, like formal, analytical, narrative, etc.]. I would appreciate suggestions for transitional phrases or sentences that could connect these sections more coherently.

Conciseness and Precision: Work with ChatGPT to eliminate the unnecessary overly complex useless information using this prompt:

I need assistance in simplifying and streamlining my essay. Can you review [specify the sections or the entire essay, if applicable] and help me remove any redundant phrases and overly complex language that doesn’t add value? The essay is about [briefly mention the topic]. My aim is to make it more concise and easy to read, while retaining the key points and arguments. Please highlight the changes you suggest and, if possible, provide a brief explanation for the edits.

Finalizing the Editing Process

Comprehensive Review: After making the changes suggested by ChatGPT, read through your entire essay again. Ensure that the edits have improved the quality of your work.
Feedback and Additional Edits: If possible, get feedback from others around you. You can also ask ChatGPT for a final review to catch any issues you may have overlooked.
Final Adjustments: Make the final adjustments based on everything you just learned and your review. This is your last chance to make sure this is the essay you want to finalize.

Tips for Effective Editing with ChatGPT

Detailed Commands: When asking ChatGPT for help, clarify what you want to edit. Be super specific, and don’t leave it up to a robot to fill in the blanks. Use your follow-up questions as well,
Iterative Process: Don’t hesitate to go through multiple rounds of edits to make sure you have the best results or at least the best results in your eyes. Remember to keep using your follow-up questions.
Personal Involvement: Stay involved in the editing process. While ChatGPT can suggest improvements, your judgment is crucial to ensure the essay remains true to your voice and goals. A suggestion is just that, a suggestion; this doesn’t mean the robot is always right.

6. Final Touches

This stage involves a thorough review and fine-tuning to ensure your essay is cohesive and effectively communicates the original message you have been trying to convey.

Preparing for the Final Review

Compile Your Revised Draft: Ensure all the previous steps’ changes, enhancements, and edits are incorporated into your draft.
Introduce the Revised Draft to ChatGPT: Share your updated draft with ChatGPT to provide context for the final review and refinements.

Conducting a Comprehensive Review

Overall Structure and Content Check: Each section should now align with your outline and effectively contribute to your overall argument or narrative. You can have ChatGPT review it by using this prompt:

I have written an essay on [essay topic] and would like feedback on its structure and content. Can you review the essay and provide suggestions for [mention specific elements you want feedback on, such as the organization of ideas, clarity of arguments, strength of thesis, relevance of examples, etc.]? The essay is intended for [mention the audience or context, like a school assignment, college application, etc.] Additionally, if any areas seem to lack coherence or if the flow can be improved, please advise on that as well.

Consistency and Coherence: Verify your essay’s tone, style, and voice consistency. ChatGPT can help identify any areas that seem out of place or inconsistent.
Ensuring Logical Flow: Check the logical flow of arguments or narratives. Each paragraph should seamlessly lead to the next, building upon your thesis or central theme.

Adding Final Touches

Enhancing the Introduction and Conclusion: Revisit your introduction and conclusion. These are the crucial parts of your essay and must effectively hook your reader in and provide a satisfying closure.
Incorporating Feedback: If you’ve received feedback from others, consider incorporating relevant suggestions. ChatGPT can help you integrate this feedback effectively.
Final Polish: Look for opportunities to add a final polish to your essay. This could be refining a key argument, adding an impactful sentence, or ensuring your conclusion leaves a lasting impression.

Finalizing Your Essay

Final Read-Through: Do a final read-through of your essay. This helps catch any minor errors and ensures that the essay reads well. If you can read it with a nice flow, so will your reader.
Checking Alignment with Requirements: If your essay is for a specific purpose (like an academic assignment), ensure it meets all the requirements or guidelines.
Closure: Once you’re satisfied with your essay, you know it’s done. This is where you solidify your confidence in the work you’ve done.

Tips for Effectively Finalizing Your Essay with ChatGPT

Objective Review: Try to review your essay objectively. It’s important to take a break before the final review to look at it with fresh eyes if necessary.
Utilize ChatGPT Judiciously: Use ChatGPT to get a fresh perspective or suggestions, but make the final decisions based on your judgment and the essay’s objectives.

7. Reflection and Review

After completing your essay, discuss with ChatGPT what worked well and areas for improvement. This part can help you learn and grow as a writer so you’re prepared for next time.

Initiating Reflection

Review Your Completed Essay: Start by taking a moment to read through your finished essay. Appreciate the effort and thought that went into creating it.
Introduce the Final Essay to ChatGPT: Don’t be scared to share your completed essay with ChatGPT. Allow the AI to understand your work for a more informed reflection.

Conducting a Self-Review

Assess Your Goals and Objectives: Reflect on your initial goals and objectives for the essay. Did you achieve them? Did you get your point across how would you have said it? Discuss this with ChatGPT for an external perspective.
Evaluate the Writing Process: Think about the writing process itself. Which steps were smooth, and where did you face challenges? Ask ChatGPT for a breakdown of your process and how it might be improved for the next run-through.
Identify Strengths and Weaknesses: Determine the strengths and weaknesses of your essay. You can ask ChatGPT to help identify these areas as well.

Learning from the Experience

Gathering Key Takeaways: It couldn’t hurt to make a list of key learnings from writing this essay. What worked well? What would you do differently next time? Use ChatGPT to help articulate these points.
Considering Future Applications: Consider how the skills and knowledge you’ve gained can be applied to future writing projects. Discuss with ChatGPT how the things you just learned can be used and adapted in the future.

Concluding the Reflection Process

Acknowledging Your Development: Recognize the progress you’ve made as a writer through this project. Writing is a journey, and each essay contributes to your growth. Things will only become easier as you build up your library of knowledge.
Documenting Your Reflections: Consider keeping a writing journal or document where you record these reflections. Open a Google doc if you have to and just get it all out This can be a valuable resource for future writing endeavors.
Looking Forward: Finally, look forward to your next writing project with anticipation and confidence, armed with new ideas and strategies.

Tips for Effective Reflecting and Reviewing with ChatGPT

Be Honest and Open: Always try to be honest about your writing experience for a true reflection.
Engage in Dialogue: Treat your session with ChatGPT as a conversation. This can provide a more dynamic reflection process. Use the follow-up questions more than you think you should.
Take Your Time: Don’t rush this step. Reflecting and reviewing are as important as the writing process, as they set the stage for continuous improvement.

FAQs

What Are The Key Considerations To Successfully Write Essays With ChatGPT?

When using ChatGPT To Write, remember:

Find the Right Balance: Combine ChatGPT’s suggestions with your unique voice.
Maintain Originality: Ensure your essay is authentic and original by using follow-up questions to dive deeper and bring out the perfect ideas and words that fit your style.
Use Ethically: ChatGPT is a tool to enhance your writing, not replace it. Don’t just copy and paste and think everything will be ok. You get out the effort you put in.

Are There Alternatives to ChatGPT?

Other tools like Grammarly for editing or mind-mapping tools for brainstorming can complement ChatGPT in your writing process. Use the two together for a dynamic duo of AI editing.

Depending on The Rules of certain educational institutions, you can use other alternatives besides ChatGPT (like Google Bard or Claud AI) to get the job done. Check Individual academic journals for restrictions.

Summary

ChatGPT has completely changed the way I take on all of my writing projects, whether it’s an essay or another piece of writing.

ChatGPT is hard to ignore and truly is an incredible marvel of OpenAI, although it’s not perfect. The more you play with prompts and get to know your AI chat buddy, the better the outcome and content it can provide.

Chat GPT will continue to update while expanding into places we could never imagine, and I can’t wait for the journey. With the steps above on how to use ChatGPT to write an essay, you can massively improve your outcome, just as I have for all of my writing!