Today I want to create a model of a “for and against essay” using Gemini for a class of advanced learners. Then, we can make copies for the students and, in class, focus mainly on how the essay is organized and on the use of interesting linking words for the students to write their own essays on a different topic.
The first thing I need is a title.
Prompt: give me three possible good titles for a for and against essay on the topic of electric cars.
I am quite happy with the third choice, which I will use for the next prompt.
Prompt: Now write a sample “for and against” essay using your third title. The essay should be around 180 words and follow this structure. Paragraph 1: Introduce the topic. Paragraph 2: Present arguments in favour of electric cars. Paragraph 3: Present arguments against electric cars. Paragraph 4: conclusion where you can show if and why you find a side more convincing than the other. Your essay must include the following words in any given order: drawback, “widely argued”, whereas, “needless to say”, and “due to”. I am an English teacher of advanced learners of English and I plan to use this sample essay to show my students how they should structure their own essays and model interesting language and linkers for their language level.
Here’s the generated text.
Electric Vehicles: A Green Revolution or a Technological Trap?
The advent of electric vehicles has sparked a heated debate among environmentalists, policymakers, and consumers alike. While proponents argue that electric cars represent a significant step towards a cleaner and more sustainable future, critics raise concerns about their potential drawbacks.
Electric vehicles are widely argued to be a crucial component of mitigating climate change. By eliminating tailpipe emissions, these vehicles contribute to reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, thereby addressing the urgent threat of global warming. Moreover, electric cars can be powered by renewable energy sources, further reducing their environmental impact.
However, electric vehicles are not without their drawbacks. One of the most significant concerns is the availability and cost of charging infrastructure. In many areas, the lack of charging stations can limit the practicality of electric cars for long-distance travel. Additionally, the production of batteries for electric vehicles often involves the extraction of rare earth metals, which can have detrimental environmental consequences.
While the potential benefits of electric vehicles are undeniable, it is essential to consider the challenges and limitations associated with their adoption. While the technology has advanced significantly in recent years, further research and development are needed to address the remaining hurdles. Ultimately, the decision to embrace electric vehicles will depend on a careful evaluation of the environmental, economic, and social factors involved.
I noticed that the essay didn’t include all the target words that I wanted to highlight later on in class. I also felt that the style was a bit too formal for my liking. So, I went ahead with this next prompt now:
Rewrite the essay using the instructions provided above, ensuring it includes the following words in any given order: drawback, “widely argued”, whereas, “needless to say”, and “due to”. In addition, adjust the style of the essay to make it more informal.
And here’s the new version:
Electric cars are all the rage these days. Everyone’s talking about them, and it’s easy to see why. They’re better for the environment and they’re super quiet. But are they really all they’re cracked up to be? Let’s take a closer look.
Electric cars are widely argued to be a major step in the fight against climate change. They don’t produce any tailpipe emissions, so they’re much cleaner than gas-powered cars. Plus, they can be charged with renewable energy, which makes them even greener.
However, electric cars are not without their drawbacks. One of the biggest problems is the lack of charging stations. If you live in a rural area, it can be really tough to find a place to charge your car. And even if you do find a station, it can take a long time to charge up. Another issue is the cost of the batteries. Electric cars are generally more expensive than gas-powered cars, and the batteries are a big part of the reason why.
Needless to say, electric cars are a great option for people who want to reduce their carbon footprint. But they’re not perfect. Before you make the switch, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons and decide if an electric car is right for you.
Due to the drawbacks mentioned above, I believe that electric cars are not yet ready to replace gas-powered cars. However, I do believe that they have a bright future. As charging infrastructure improves and battery technology becomes more affordable, electric cars will become a more viable option for drivers.
Unfortunately, the essay didn’t follow the four-paragraph structure. While I could write a new prompt to generate a four-paragraph essay, doing so might alter the language and tone, which I’m quite happy with. This issue can be easily resolved by combining paragraphs three and four. Notice that Gemini highlighted the target language in bold this time. Useful.
Now it’s time to make copies for our students or display the essay on the board. Ask them to write their own essay on [topic of your choice]. Draw attention to interesting bits of language, such as words in bold and “all the rage”, “plus”, “a major step in”, “another issue is”, etc. We could also ask Gen. AI to generate conversation questions incorporating this target language for further exposure and language practice in class.
Alternatively, we can assign the following techonology-free task for the students to do in class . We can ask them to revise and make changes to the essay, keeping the same ideas but improving it to sound less robotic and more personal. This can be done individually or as group work. Walk around the classroom to provide assistance or share insights when needed. We may collect the students’ work or review it together in class once they have completed the task.
AI in ELT 