COLLEGE PREP ESSAY PROMPT 2026-27

Artificial Intelligence and Ethics

Can Artificial Intelligence (AI) be used ethically in education? This is a growing concern as technology advances. Some take the stance that AI should not be used in school, as it does too much work for students limiting skill development. Others say it can be used, but there need to be clear guidelines for ethical application.

What do you think? Should AI tools be limited in educational settings? OR should they be used, and if so, what are ethical ways for students to use AI?

Make your case with a four-paragraph essay (300-600 words). Include an introduction paragraph with a clear thesis stating your position, two body paragraphs supporting your position, and a conclusion paragraph. Each paragraph should be a minimum of five sentences. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.

College Prep Essay Rubric

Your persuasive essay will be graded using five separate categories: Persuasive Elements, Stated Thesis, Supporting Evidence, Paragraph Development, and Grammar & Punctuation.

Each of these five items will be rated as Proficient, Developing, or Needs Improvement. Proficient means that you have met the standards of an effective response. Developing means you have partially met the standards of a response, but it needs some revision. Needs Improvement means you did not meet the standards of a response.

You must earn a grade of C or better on this essay, combined with a score of 90 on both Stages in your EdReady study path, to be eligible for an exemption from developmental education courses in accordance with Texas Education Code §51.338(e)(f) for freshman-level reading/writing courses at Texas Institutions of Higher Education that partnered with the school district or an Institution of Higher Education that signed the Texas College Bridge memorandum of understanding.

RUBRIC
	Proficient	Developing	Needs Improvement	Score
Points Value	20	12	1
Persuasive Elements	Includes a position statement in response to the question in the writing prompt, clear evidence to support that position, and cohesive organization of ideas.	Includes key components but is missing some elements of persuasion.	Does not include adequate aspects of persuasion.
Stated Thesis	Includes an arguable position statement in clear response to the question posed in the writing prompt.	Introduces a general idea in response to the question posed in the writing prompt, but the overall position is vague and/or misaligned with stated order or content in the body of the essay.	Does not include a position statement and/or paragraphs lack adequate support.
Supporting Evidence	Uses logical and appropriate evidence to support the main idea and prove the stated position on the topic.	Partially uses examples as support; details require additional relevant or logical evidence.	Does not develop or provide examples to support or defend the stated position on the topic.
Paragraph Development (strength of introduction, conclusion, and coherency)	Smoothly connects ideas between/within paragraphs in a purposeful manner; introduction and conclusion make logical and effective statements about the topic. Includes a minimum of 5 sentences per paragraph.	Ideas between/within paragraphs are partially connected or moderately purposeful; introduction and conclusion are present but not effective. Includes fewer than 5 sentences per paragraph.	Missing connection between ideas; purpose of content is unclear; incomplete introduction and conclusion. Includes fewer than 5 sentences per paragraph.
Grammar & Punctuation	Sentences are generally free from grammar, punctuation, and structure errors as expected in academic writing.	Sentences need further editing and/or contain some grammar, punctuation, and structure errors that interfere with the flow of ideas.	Displays little attention to editing or correct grammar, punctuation, and structure as expected in academic writing.