AI & Writing Listicle

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AI & Writing Listicle Assignment

Genre: Listicle (more info below)
Length: 300 words minimum (for the whole listicle)

Over the semester, we’ve looked at how AI can both support and complicate the writing process. For your final assignment, you’ll create a listicle-style reflection that captures what you’ve learned, what you’re still wondering about, and where you stand on Generative AI use with writing.

What is a listicle?

A listicle is a short article written as a list. Think: Buzzfeed articles, like “7 Ways to Unwind”. Each item on the list has a brief heading or point, followed by a few sentences of explanation or reflection. It’s an easy way to organize your thoughts clearly and informally—like a mix between a list and a blog post.

An example listicle can be found at the bottom of the page.

Instructions

Create a listicle that shares your personal takeaways, opinions, and lingering questions about AI and writing. Think of this as a reflection on what you’ve learned, what stood out to you, and what you see as important moving forward. End with your overall thoughts on how you view AI in writing now.

1. Title Your Listicle

Start with a creative or descriptive title that reflects your theme. For example:

5 Things I’ve Learned About AI and Writing
3 Reasons I’m Wary of AI—and 2 Reasons I’m Curious
What I Know (and Don’t Know) About Writing in the Age of AI

2. Write Clear List Item Headers

Give each list item a short, clear header that captures the main idea of that section. Think of it like a mini-title or headline—something attention-grabbing that tells the reader what to expect. (e.g., AI Helps Me Brainstorm, Still Not Sure About Ethics)

3. Reflect on Each Point

Under each header, write 3–5 sentences reflecting on that idea. Share your thoughts, questions, or experiences with that aspect of AI and writing.

4. Final Thoughts

End your listicle with a 4–6 sentence reflection on your overall view of AI and writing after this semester. Consider:

Do you think you’ll use generative AI in your writing going forward? Why or why not?
If yes, how do you plan to use it responsibly or effectively?

This is your chance to summarize how your thinking has evolved—or what questions still remain.

What To Include

You might include:

Things you’ve learned or changed your mind about
Questions or concerns you still have
Thoughts on when/if you’ll use AI in your own writing
Reactions to course activities or discussions
Ethical, creative, or practical perspectives you’ve developed

Requirements

Covers the topic thoughtfully
300 words minimum
Includes 5-7 list items
Each list item includes a 3-5 sentence discussion/reflection.
Final thoughts are included below the list.
Listicle is revised and proofread.

AI Use

For the AI & Writing Listicle assignment, you may use AI for the following:

Organization
Revision
Proofreading

Please do not use AI to generate ideas, as this assignment is meant to be a reflection of your thoughts about AI.

If you use AI for any part of this assignment, include a statement of use at the end of your document.

Grading Philosophy

This is a reflective assignment. I’m looking for honest engagement, thoughtful effort, and a clear attempt to connect what we did in class to your own thinking. It can take a more conversational tone, similar to list articles you might find online.

Example Listicle

The example below, on a different topic, is provided to show you what a listicle looks and sounds like.

5 Things I’ve Learned About Math in My First Semester

1. Math Isn’t Just About Memorizing Formulas

At first, I thought math was all about memorizing formulas and plugging numbers in. But I quickly learned that understanding the "why" behind each formula is just as important. Once I grasped the concepts behind the equations, the problems started making more sense.

2. Practice Really Does Make Perfect

In the past, I would get frustrated if I didn’t understand something right away. This semester, I realized that the more I practice, the better I get. It’s not about getting things right the first time; it’s about persistence and gradually building up my skills.

3. Asking Questions Isn’t a Sign of Weakness

At the start, I was hesitant to ask questions in class, thinking everyone else understood the material. But I’ve learned that asking questions actually helps me learn better. Whether it’s a simple clarification or a deeper explanation, getting help has made a huge difference in how well I understand the material.

4. There’s Often More Than One Way to Solve a Problem

I used to think there was only one "correct" way to solve a math problem, but I’ve learned there are often multiple methods. Seeing how different approaches lead to the same solution has helped me become more flexible in my thinking and more confident in problem-solving.

5. Math Is Everywhere

At first, I thought math was just about numbers on a page, but I’ve realized it’s all around me. From calculating tips at restaurants to understanding patterns in nature, math is a tool that helps explain the world. This has made the subject feel more relevant and interesting.

Final Thoughts

(Note: Your final thoughts will look different than this example, since yours should include your position on AI and writing instead of just what you learned.)

Looking ahead, I know that math will continue to challenge me, but I feel more prepared to handle it. I’ll focus on really understanding the concepts, not just memorizing formulas, and keep practicing consistently to improve. I’ll also make sure to ask questions whenever I need clarification and be open to trying different methods for solving problems. Going forward, I want to approach each new topic with patience and curiosity, knowing that persistence is key to mastering the material.

ENGL 1181 Final Portfolio Rubric

AI Transparency Statement

This assignment sheet was written with the assistance of ChatGPT for help with clarity, wording, and organization. All final content and instructions were reviewed and edited by the instructor. The example listicle was fully generated by ChatGPT.

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