Research

Join us for a discussion with dr. Janos Szakolczai on essay writing in an age of Large Language Models, on 10th November at 2pm, 305 Lilybank Gardens.

This essay explores the enduring relevance of essay writing as a stimulating and insightful practice in an age dominated by AI tools and Large Language Models. Aimed at demystifying the intellectual demands of essay crafting, particularly for students writing in English as a second language, it addresses common assumptions and challenges while highlighting the value, meaning and means of critical thinking and sound argumentation. Using the metaphor of path-making and trail-following, the essay reframes essay writing as a reflective and exploratory process enriched by analogies drawn from cultural media such as films, novels, and music. Emphasising writing as a journey of discovery and creative drive, the discussion advocates restrained use of ChatGPT and similar tools, arguing that such discipline fosters originality while preserving the intellectual capacities that essay writing is intended to develop.  

Keywords: path-making; AI; LLM; colonialism; critical thinking; referencing 

---

First published: 30 September 2026