About this exercise
Your department's essay rubric weights are thesis 30%, evidence 30%, organization 20%, mechanics 20%, each scored out of 4. Write exactly 3 numbered lines, one per student, each showing every score x weight, the weighted total out of 4, and total ÷ 4 as a percent. Plain text, under 100 words, nothing else.
Common mistakes when you ask AI for this
- Not giving the weights. The AI averages equally, like the gradebook default, so Cy gets 75%. Try: Add: "Weights: thesis 30%, evidence 30%, organization 20%, mechanics 20%."
- Not asking to see the work. Students and parents will ask how the grade was built. Try: Add a line to copy: "1. Ana: 4 x 0.3 = 1.2, 4 x 0.3 = 1.2, 3 x 0.2 = 0.6, 2 x 0.2 = 0.4; 3.4 ÷ 4 = 85%"
- Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting. Ask for a total word limit and it often lands over it. Try: Cap each line: "each line under 28 words."
- Forgetting where it goes. AI loves markdown tables and bold, which show up as clutter in a gradebook comment. Try: Add: "Plain text, no bold, headings or tables."
What a strong prompt includes
- Gives the weights
- Converts to a percent
- Asks to show the math
- Sets a word limit
- Asks for plain text
Related exercises
- Announce a hybrid work policy change with clear actions (Writing AI · HR and recruiting)
- Announce a new weekend rotation in three clear rules (Productivity AI · Managers and team leads)
- Announce a promotion with the right date and no pay details (Writing AI · HR and recruiting)
- Announce a team change and answer the first question (Writing AI · Managers and team leads)
- Answer a showing request for a home that's under contract (Writing AI · Real estate agents)