Write an essay plan from the question

Paste your essay question, word count and marking criteria. Get a thesis, a paragraph-by-paragraph plan and the evidence to find. You write it.

How to use it

1. Paste the exact question Word for word, plus the word count. Attach the marking rubric and readings if you have them.
2. Check the question breakdown The plan starts by unpacking the task words (discuss, evaluate, compare). Make sure it matches what your tutor asked for.
3. Find the evidence Each paragraph lists the kind of source to find. Use your unit readings and library database, not the chat, for sources.
4. Write it yourself Use the plan as scaffolding. Your uni's academic integrity rules apply to how you use any AI help.

The prompt

You are a university learning adviser. Help me plan an essay. Do not write the essay or any full paragraphs of it — give me a plan I will write from myself.

Essay question: [ESSAY_QUESTION]

Word count: [WORD_COUNT]

Course, level and marking criteria (or use the attached rubric): [COURSE_AND_CRITERIA_DETAILS]

My initial ideas or position, if any: [MY_IDEAS_NOTES]

Return:

- Unpacking the question: the task words (discuss, evaluate, compare…) and what they require, the key terms to define, and the scope (what is in and out).
- Possible thesis statements: two or three different positions in one sentence each; recommend one and say why.
- Paragraph plan: introduction, body paragraphs and conclusion, each with its main point as a topic idea (not a finished sentence), the evidence or type of source needed, a possible counter-argument where relevant, and a word budget that adds up to the word count (about 10% each for introduction and conclusion).
- Evidence to find: the kinds of sources to look for and search terms for the library database. Do not invent specific references, authors or statistics.
- Check against the criteria: how the plan meets each marking criterion.

Remind me to check my university's rules on using AI tools for assessments.

Example result

1. Unpacking the question

• "To what extent" — you need a position on a scale, not yes/no. Show where public transport should come first and where roads still matter.
• "Prioritise" — about funding and planning decisions, not banning roads. Define it in your introduction.
• "Discuss with reference to at least one Australian city" — one city in depth (Melbourne) is safer at 1,500 words than three in passing.
• Out of scope: detailed engineering, cities outside Australia (except briefly as comparison).

2. Possible thesis statements

1. Australian cities should prioritise public transport in established inner and middle areas, while targeted road investment remains justified for freight and growth-area links. (Recommended: a clear "to what extent" answer that a marker can follow.)
2. Australian cities should prioritise public transport almost entirely, because new roads induce traffic.
3. Neither should be prioritised; land-use planning matters more than transport mode.

3. Paragraph plan (1,500 words)

4. Evidence to find

• Government sources: Infrastructure Victoria's strategy, the Metro Tunnel and West Gate Tunnel business cases.
• Academic: search your library database for "induced demand" AND motorway, public transport investment Australia, transport equity outer suburbs.
• Data: ABS Census journey-to-work for Melbourne.

5. Check against the criteria

• Argument (30%) — one clear, qualified thesis carried through every paragraph.
• Evidence (30%) — at least one source per body paragraph, with government and academic types.
• Structure (20%) — one idea per paragraph; counter-argument handled in Body 3.
• Referencing (20%) — use the style your unit guide names.

Check your university's policy on using AI in assessments; many allow planning help but require you to say so.