Prompt Craft Assignment:

Collaborative Topic Selection with ChatGPT for the Podcast

ENGL 111 – Fall 2023

Important Details
Due date: On Canvas by 11:59 p.m., Monday, November 27
Length: Please see individual questions for details
Percentage of final grade: 3%
Number of sources: n/a
Citation style: n/a
Document design: 12-point font, 1” margins, Times New Roman or Calibri font
Acceptable file types: .doc, .docx, .rtf, .pdf (do not submit Google Docs or you will not receive credit)

Assignment Description
Selecting a compelling topic is the foundation of an engaging podcast. In this assignment, you’ll not only
rely on your insights but also collaborate with ChatGPT to refine and develop your topic ideas. This
exercise aims to harness the power of AI to guide you in choosing a subject that is both engaging and
analyzable.

Instructions
1. Brainstorming Session: Dedicate 15-20 minutes to jot down subjects or topics you’re passionate about
or have a keen interest in. Think of recent books, movies, products, events, or current affairs. List here
the subjects or topics you noted.

2. Initial Consultation with ChatGPT: Share your brainstormed list with ChatGPT. Ask for feedback on
each topic’s potential for audience insight, any controversies surrounding them, or general insights that
might help in your decision-making process. Copy and paste the results from ChatGPT. If you’re not
happy with the results, ask it again and copy and paste those results here, too.

3. Research Potential Topics: Based on feedback from ChatGPT and your own instincts, select the top
three topics. Conduct a brief online research for each, gathering articles, reviews, or discussions that can
provide a foundational understanding. Share the three topics here. Then, find two sources for each that
provide a foundational understanding.

4. Deep Dive with ChatGPT: For each of your top three topics, engage in a detailed discussion with
ChatGPT:
 Ask ChatGPT to provide arguments or opinions surrounding the topic.
 Explore potential counterarguments or contrasting viewpoints.
 Seek recommendations for outside sources or references related to the topic.
Be sure to include all responses to these topics for all three topics.

5. Verify sources: With the recommendations from ChatGPT in hand, do a quick Google search to verify if
the sources are real. If they aren’t, note which ones aren’t.

6. Reflect and Decide: Using the insights from your research and ChatGPT’s feedback, decide on the topic
that offers the best opportunity for a podcast. Consider which one you feel most connected to and
curious about. Note that here.
7. Draft a Preliminary Thesis Statement with ChatGPT: Collaborate with ChatGPT to draft a preliminary
thesis statement for your chosen topic. While this might not be your final thesis, it should clearly indicate
your stance on the topic.

Grading
Your prompt craft assignment will be assessed based on the depth and breadth of brainstormed topics,
the quality of collaboration and engagement with ChatGPT, the relevance and depth of research for the
top three topics, and clarity and assertiveness of the preliminary thesis statement.