Notes

The purpose of this experiment was as an ideation tool. It was emphasized to students that the final text should be their own work, but that seeing several possible ideas for what a hook might look like can help us break through writer’s block.
The first prompt, asking the LLM to explain what makes for an effective hook in the introduction of an academic argumentative essay, builds context about what makes an effective hook. LLMs often seem to perform a task better if they are pushed to “meditate” first on what an effective output would look like.

The Experiment

User:

Explain what makes for an effective hook in the introduction of an academic argumentative essay

GPT-4o:

An effective hook in the introduction of an academic argumentative essay is crucial for grabbing the reader’s attention and encouraging them to engage with the essay. Here are key elements that make a hook effective:

Relevance to the Topic: The hook should be closely related to the essay’s main argument or topic. It needs to create a bridge to the thesis statement, ensuring the reader understands why the issue matters.
Clear and Concise: Academic readers appreciate precision. The hook should be succinct, setting the tone and focus of the essay without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary details.
Provocative or Thought-Provoking: A strong hook challenges readers to think, question, or reconsider something. It might present a startling fact, ask a rhetorical question, or highlight a common misconception.
Engages the Reader’s Curiosity: An effective hook makes the reader want to know more. It raises interest in the subject by posing a problem or presenting a situation that the reader will want to see resolved in the body of the essay.
Establishes Context: Especially in an argumentative essay, the hook should provide a hint of the broader context or significance of the topic. This helps the reader understand the issue’s scope and importance before diving into your argument.
Relatable or Unusual Examples: Sometimes, opening with an interesting anecdote, hypothetical situation, or analogy can help to make complex academic topics more relatable or accessible to the audience.

An effective hook sets the stage for a compelling, well-argued essay while aligning closely with the topic and purpose of the writing.

User:

Suggest 10 versions of a first sentence for an essay with this thesis statement: “Artificial intelligence in agriculture could disrupt rural communities, leading to job displacement, a loss of traditional farming knowledge, and increasing reliance on technology that may not be equally accessible to all.”

GPT-4o

Here are 10 versions of a first sentence (hook) for your essay, each designed to grab the reader’s attention and lead into your thesis:

“The rise of artificial intelligence promises efficiency, but in rural farming communities, it may come at a steep human cost.”
“As artificial intelligence transforms industries, the quiet fields of rural agriculture stand on the brink of an unprecedented shift.”
“Could the future of farming, powered by machines and algorithms, unintentionally erode the livelihoods of those who have cultivated the land for generations?”
“With AI poised to take over tasks once performed by farmers, the question arises: What will happen to the communities that depend on traditional farming for survival?”
“While artificial intelligence is hailed as the key to modernizing agriculture, its impact on rural communities could be far from purely beneficial.”
“In a world increasingly driven by AI, the fields of traditional farming may be plowed under by technology that leaves rural communities behind.”
“As artificial intelligence invades the heart of agriculture, it threatens to uproot not just crops, but the very fabric of rural life.”
“What happens when the wisdom passed down through generations of farmers is replaced by algorithms and robots?”
“Artificial intelligence is transforming agriculture, but will the push for progress come at the expense of rural traditions and livelihoods?”
“The technological revolution in agriculture might bring more than increased efficiency—it could bring the downfall of rural communities as we know them.”

Each version is designed to engage the reader by highlighting the potential tensions or dilemmas AI could create in rural farming communities, setting the stage for your argument. Let me know if you’d like further refinement on any of these!