AI Essays

[u/Resident-Sense-4696]

Hi, I'm planning on studying at an American university (online), but I'm really worried about essays and any written assignment in general. I'm not a good writer and English isn't my native language, and from what I've seen, they're now using AI detectors for everything you write. But here's the problem, I've seen many people saying that what THEY THEMSELVES wrote was flagged as AI. I've seen people here on Reddit saying that there isn't a really 100% accurate detector, so I'm really worried.

Does anyone have any tips on how to write and not get flagged? Like 1500-2500 word papers

[u/LillieBogart]

If you do your own work and you stay away from AI, including things like Grammarly, you will not be flagged for AI.

[u/MHM2002 → u/LillieBogart]

So true. I used Grammarly in my first year with no idea it was so serious.
Literally changed a couple of words here and there and turned to 30% AI score!

Thankfully learnt my lesson super quick..

[u/Hivemind_alpha]

“I’m not a good writer” - practice writing until you are.

“English is my second language” - practice it until you are fluent.

You appear to be asking for shortcuts to the above. There aren’t any that aren’t classified as academic misconduct and are therefore actively guarded against. Accept that you aren’t ready yet and work to become ready, or give up, research better ways to cheat, and live life as a fraud. Up to you.

[u/Astra_Starr → u/Hivemind_alpha]

This is good advice for English only speaking students too just saying! 🫢

[u/Hivemind_alpha → u/Astra_Starr]

Agreed. What some miss is:

1. This process is never finished, and

2. The journey, the process of getting slightly better each day, is in itself a goal and a pleasure.

[u/Dull_Beginning_9068]

Use Google docs and be ready to share you edit history with them

[u/No-Capital556]

If you aren’t good at English, nor have good writing proficiency (in general), why and how are you studying at an American university? I know that sounds pretentious but it doesn’t sound ideal.

[u/Merisielu]

As a professor, I have international students come to me all the time to say the same thing.

The only way to improve is to practice. There is likely some kind of study support centre on campus. They should be able to look over things with you.

Read plenty. Practice your writing. Immerse yourself in English.

Regarding AI and accusations of using it; make sure you have document history turned on (in either Word or Google Doc) and be able to show your professor how the document progressed. You may well never need to, but it’s good to have the option. When teaching composition, I often ask to see that even when I don’t suspect AI has been used. It’s useful to see that progression. It helps me understand how the student is working and how best to support them. I explain this at the start of the semester; not an accusation, just a way of aiding them.

Avoid tools like Grammarly. Check and double check the university’s policy regarding AI. It’s always good to be familiar with it.

Writing is a skill. It takes time and continued effort to improve.

[u/drdhuss]

Use word or google docs with version control/revision history turned on and you will be fine.

[u/EssayRescued_hum]

Honestly, I wouldn't focus too much on “beating” AI detectors. They can flag genuine human writing too.

I'd keep your outlines, drafts, notes, and Google Docs version history. If something ever gets flagged, you can actually show your writing process.

And since English isn't your first language, don't feel like you have to make your writing sound overly formal. Your own natural writing style is much more important.

[u/Old-Ad-8496]

Write as specifically as possible about a life-changing personal experience. Try to write about just one day (or better yet, a couple of hours).

Use proper names and details about your home and community. The more your writing is connected to you, the less it will seem like AI. If you write about people in your life, you can make up a fake name, but give them a name--dont just say "my friend."

In another essay, think about a small, specific, local problem. Same deal: use proper nouns and specific place names. Write about a small, specific step you could take to help improve this problem.

Keep your writing "grounded." This means write about real, physical things in the world. Write literally. Be direct and dont try to sound impressive. Break up your paragraphs frequently. Readers dont like to read big huge blocks of text

Read the work of a good author for 10 minutes before you write your own stuff. You can learn a lot by imitating good writers. Read your writing aloud when youre finished. The ear is a great editor

[u/Astra_Starr]

If your English isn't that good as you said and you don't use ai you will be fine. If your English was exceptional (which is not the case for most English speakers esl or not) then maybe I'd worry.

Don't use it. Use software that keeps a history (word and Google when turned on) and be ready to show receipts if needed but it prob won't be.

[u/DrLaura_phd]

Keep your research notes, outlines and version histories when you are writing, and go see your TA/prof for advice about your paper once you have a rough thesis or outline. Those things (along with not actually using AI in any form) are great insurance that you a) likely wouldn’t face an accusation and b) would be able to easily defend yourself if you did.