AI vs. Human Writing Samples

Activity Instructions for Students

Purpose: Develop your ability to identify characteristics of AI-generated text, human-written text, and human-AI collaborations.

How to Complete This Activity:

Read each writing sample carefully without looking at the answer key
Analyze the writing for clues about its origin:
- Does it feel authentic and personal?
- Are there specific, concrete details or generic descriptions?
- Does the voice feel consistent?
- Are there any "tells" that suggest AI involvement?
Vote for each sample: AI-generated, Human-written, or Human-AI Collaboration
Discuss your reasoning with classmates or in small groups
Check the answer key at the end to see if you were correct
Reflect: What surprised you? What patterns did you notice?

Teacher Note: Consider having students vote before revealing answers and facilitating discussion about their reasoning.

Sample Set 1: Opening Paragraph of a Short Story

Sample A

The abandoned house at the end of Maple Street had stood empty for years. Its windows were dark and broken, and the paint was peeling off the walls. Everyone in the neighborhood avoided it. Local children told stories about strange noises coming from inside at night. The house had an eerie presence that made people feel uncomfortable when they walked past it. Some people believed it was haunted, while others thought it was just a run-down old building.

Sample B

I'd passed the Kowalski house every day since I was six, but I never really looked at it until the morning Mrs. Chen's cat got stuck on the sagging porch roof. The place wasn't haunted—it was just sad. Sad like my grandpa's eyes after grandma died. The blue paint had faded to the color of old bruises, and the front door hung crooked, like it had given up trying to keep the world out. But that morning, when everyone was focused on getting Mittens down, I saw something move behind the second-floor window. Not a ghost. Something worse: someone real, someone living in all that loneliness.

Cast Your Vote:

Sample A is: ☐ AI-generated ☐ Human-written ☐ Human-AI Collaboration

Sample B is: ☐ AI-generated ☐ Human-written ☐ Human-AI Collaboration

Analysis Questions:

Which sample uses more specific, concrete details?
Which sample feels more formulaic or predictable?
Which narrator has a more distinct, recognizable voice?
Are there any clichés or overly common phrases?
Which sample creates stronger emotional connection?

Sample Set 2: Character Description

Sample C

Marcus was the kind of teacher who wore mismatched socks on purpose and kept a drawer full of terrible puns that he'd deploy when you least expected it. But during parent-teacher conferences, I discovered his secret: he spent his own money buying notebooks for kids who couldn't afford them, leaving them anonymously in lockers. He'd get embarrassed if you thanked him, would change the subject to something ridiculous, like whether hot dogs were sandwiches. That's how I learned that the best people hide their goodness behind dad jokes.

Sample D

Mr. Henderson was a dedicated teacher who truly cared about his students. He was always willing to go the extra mile to help them succeed. He had a great sense of humor and made learning fun and engaging. Students respected him because he treated everyone fairly and with kindness. He was passionate about education and wanted to make a difference in young people's lives. His classroom was a welcoming environment where students felt safe to ask questions and make mistakes.

Cast Your Vote:

Sample C is: ☐ AI-generated ☐ Human-written ☐ Human-AI Collaboration

Sample D is: ☐ AI-generated ☐ Human-written ☐ Human-AI Collaboration

Analysis Questions:

Which description shows rather than tells?
Which uses more abstract qualities versus concrete behaviors?
Which character feels more three-dimensional and real?
Are there any telling generic phrases like "truly cared" or "made a difference"?

Sample Set 3: Dialogue Scene

Sample E

"We need to talk about what happened yesterday," Sarah said seriously.
"I know," replied Tom with regret. "I shouldn't have said those things."
"You really hurt my feelings," Sarah explained. "Words have consequences."
"I understand that now," Tom acknowledged. "I want to make things right between us."
"I appreciate you saying that," Sarah responded. "Maybe we can move forward."
"I hope so," Tom said hopefully. "Our friendship means a lot to me."

Sample F

"So we're just not gonna talk about it?" Sarah slammed her locker shut, the bang echoing down the empty hallway.
Tom kicked at nothing. "What do you want me to say?"
"I don't know—maybe 'sorry'? Or is that too many syllables for you?"
"That's not—" He stopped, shoved his hands in his pockets. Started again. "I didn't mean it the way it sounded."
"Yeah, well, it sounded like you thought I was an idiot." She hoisted her backpack up, ready to walk away. "So either you meant it, or you're really bad at talking. Either way, I'm done."
"Sarah, wait—"
But she was already gone, and Tom was left talking to an empty hallway.

Cast Your Vote:

Sample E is: ☐ AI-generated ☐ Human-written ☐ Human-AI Collaboration

Sample F is: ☐ AI-generated ☐ Human-written ☐ Human-AI Collaboration

Analysis Questions:

Which dialogue sounds like how people actually talk?
Are there excessive dialogue tags (like "said seriously" or "explained")?
Do the characters interrupt, pause, or speak imperfectly?
Does the dialogue show emotion through words and actions rather than labels?

Sample Set 4: Descriptive Paragraph (Setting)

Sample G

The beach at sunset was beautiful. The sky was painted with vibrant shades of orange, pink, and purple. Waves gently lapped against the shore, creating a soothing sound. The sand was warm beneath my feet, and a cool breeze came from the ocean. Seagulls flew overhead, calling out to each other. The scene was peaceful and serene, making me feel relaxed and at ease. It was the perfect ending to a long day, and I felt grateful to experience such natural beauty.

Sample H

The beach smelled like my childhood: sunscreen, salt, and something rotting under the pier. I'd asked AI to help me describe a sunset, and it had given me words like "painted sky" and "gentle waves"—the kind of pretty lies you see on postcards. But real sunsets aren't peaceful. This one was angry: rust-red clouds bleeding across a bruised sky while the ocean churned gray-green, spitting foam. A seagull screamed—not called, screamed—fighting another bird over a dead fish. The sand stuck to my damp skin in itchy patches. This was real. This was honest. The AI had tried to help, but I had to make it true.

Cast Your Vote:

Sample G is: ☐ AI-generated ☐ Human-written ☐ Human-AI Collaboration

Sample H is: ☐ AI-generated ☐ Human-written ☐ Human-AI Collaboration

Analysis Questions:

Which description avoids clichés and finds fresh language?
Which relies on common, expected imagery?
Which engages multiple senses beyond just sight and sound?
Does either sample acknowledge AI's role explicitly?

Sample Set 5: Internal Monologue

Sample I

As I stood at the crossroads, I reflected on the decision I had to make. Each path represented different possibilities for my future. I thought about the pros and cons of each option. One choice offered security and stability, while the other promised adventure and growth. I considered what my family would want me to do, but I also knew I had to follow my own heart. It was a challenging decision that would impact the rest of my life. I took a deep breath and tried to listen to my inner voice to find the right answer.

Sample J

Don't think about Mrs. Patterson's face when you tell her you're dropping out. Don't think about Mom's disappointed silence. Don't think about how you practiced your valedictorian speech in the mirror every morning since freshman year. Just think about the scholarship offer from the tech company. The one that starts immediately. The one that means leaving school three months before graduation. Three months. Twelve weeks. Eighty-four days until they'd hand you a diploma you earned. But the job won't wait. They never wait. And isn't this what you wanted? To matter? To do something real? So why can't you pick up the phone?

Cast Your Vote:

Sample I is: ☐ AI-generated ☐ Human-written ☐ Human-AI Collaboration

Sample J is: ☐ AI-generated ☐ Human-written ☐ Human-AI Collaboration

Analysis Questions:

Which internal monologue sounds like authentic thought patterns?
Which organizes thoughts too neatly or logically?
Does either use specific, personal details that feel genuine?
Which captures the messy, non-linear nature of real thinking?

Sample Set 1: Opening Paragraph

Sample A: AI-GENERATED

Sample B: HUMAN-WRITTEN

How to Tell:

AI characteristics in Sample A:

Generic descriptions ("dark and broken," "eerie presence")
Predictable structure following obvious patterns
Telling rather than showing emotional impact
Common horror tropes without fresh perspective
No specific, unique details that ground the scene

Human characteristics in Sample B:

Specific, personal connection (Mrs. Chen's cat, being six years old)
Unique metaphors that show personality ("sad like my grandpa's eyes")
Unexpected descriptions ("faded to the color of old bruises")
Complex emotional insight (loneliness is worse than ghosts)
Distinct narrative voice with clear perspective

Sample Set 2: Character Description

Sample C: HUMAN-WRITTEN

Sample D: AI-GENERATED

How to Tell:

AI characteristics in Sample D:

Relies entirely on abstract qualities ("dedicated," "kind," "passionate")
Uses generic teacher tropes without specific examples
Tells us what to think rather than showing character
Formal, essay-like language rather than storytelling voice
Could describe almost any "good teacher"—lacks individuality

Human characteristics in Sample C:

Shows character through specific, quirky behaviors (mismatched socks, pun drawer)
Reveals deeper traits through concrete actions (buying notebooks)
Includes authentic personality details (embarrassment, deflection)
Uses narrative voice with reflection and insight
Creates a memorable, three-dimensional individual

Sample Set 3: Dialogue Scene

Sample E: AI-GENERATED

Sample F: HUMAN-WRITTEN

How to Tell:

AI characteristics in Sample E:

Excessive and unnecessary dialogue tags ("said seriously," "replied with regret")
Characters speak in complete, grammatically perfect sentences
Dialogue explicitly states emotions rather than implying them
Too polite and formal for a real conflict
No interruptions, pauses, or realistic speech patterns
Progresses too smoothly to resolution

Human characteristics in Sample F:

Realistic speech patterns (fragments, interruptions, "So we're just...")
Shows emotion through action (slamming locker, kicking at nothing)
Characters don't explicitly state their feelings—tension is implied
Includes physical beats between dialogue
Authentic teen voice with sarcasm and frustration
Conflict feels unresolved and real

Sample Set 4: Descriptive Paragraph

Sample G: AI-GENERATED

Sample H: HUMAN-AI COLLABORATION

How to Tell:

AI characteristics in Sample G:

Postcard-perfect imagery with common descriptors
Generic sensory details everyone has heard before
Too clean and peaceful—lacks complexity
Emotional response stated directly rather than evoked
No personal connection or unique perspective

Collaboration characteristics in Sample H:

Explicitly acknowledges AI's role in the process
Contrasts AI suggestions with raw, authentic reality
Uses AI ideas as a starting point but transforms them
Shows the writer's conscious choices to deviate from AI output
Meta-commentary about writing process itself
Honest sensory details that subvert expectations

Sample Set 5: Internal Monologue

Sample I: AI-GENERATED

Sample J: HUMAN-WRITTEN

How to Tell:

AI characteristics in Sample I:

Overly organized and logical thought progression
Abstract language without concrete details
Generic scenario that could be anyone's decision
Thoughts presented as clean paragraphs rather than fragmented
No specific context or stakes that feel personal

Human characteristics in Sample J:

Fragmented, repetitive thoughts mirror anxiety
Highly specific scenario with concrete details (valedictorian speech, three months)
Stream-of-consciousness that feels psychologically real
Commands to self ("Don't think about...")
Numbers used to quantify anxiety (twelve weeks, eighty-four days)
Questions that reveal internal conflict authentically

📚 Teaching Guide: Key Patterns to Discuss

Common AI "Tells":

AI Pattern	Example	Why It Happens
Generic Language	"Beautiful sunset," "truly cared," "made a difference"	AI draws from common phrases in training data
Perfect Grammar	Always complete sentences, proper punctuation	AI follows grammatical rules rigidly
Balanced Structure	Lists with same number of items, symmetrical organization	AI tends toward pattern and balance
Explicit Emotion	"I felt sad," "with regret," "seriously"	AI tells rather than showing emotional states
Lack of Specificity	General scenarios without concrete details	AI can't draw from personal experience
Overuse of Adjectives	"Vibrant," "soothing," "peaceful and serene"	AI relies on descriptive words to create imagery

Indicators of Human Writing:

Personal specificity: Names, places, precise memories unique to the writer
Imperfect speech/thought: Fragments, interruptions, repetition that mirrors real thinking
Unexpected comparisons: Fresh metaphors that come from personal observation
Honest complexity: Messy emotions, contradictions, things left unsaid
Distinct voice: Consistent personality that emerges through word choice and perspective
Earned insights: Observations that feel discovered, not prescribed

Discussion Questions for Class:

Were you surprised by any of the answers? Why?
What patterns did you notice that helped you identify AI vs. human writing?
Did some AI writing "fool" you? What made it convincing?
How can you apply these insights to your own writing when using AI tools?
What elements of human writing are hardest for AI to replicate?
Does knowing something was AI-generated change how you feel about it?
How can we ensure our writing maintains authenticity when using AI assistance?

Extension Activity:

Create Your Own Test: Have students write their own short passages, then use AI to create a similar version. Exchange with classmates to see if others can tell which is which. Discuss what makes the human version distinctive.

🔍 AI vs. Human Writing: Sample Comparisons

Activity Instructions for Students

How to Complete This Activity:

Sample A

Sample B

Cast Your Vote:

Analysis Questions:

Sample C

Sample D

Cast Your Vote:

Analysis Questions:

Sample E

Sample F

Cast Your Vote:

Analysis Questions:

Sample G

Sample H

Cast Your Vote:

Analysis Questions:

Sample I

Sample J

Cast Your Vote:

Analysis Questions:

🔑 Answer Key & Analysis

Sample Set 1: Opening Paragraph

How to Tell:

Sample Set 2: Character Description

How to Tell:

Sample Set 3: Dialogue Scene

How to Tell:

Sample Set 4: Descriptive Paragraph

How to Tell:

Sample Set 5: Internal Monologue

How to Tell:

📚 Teaching Guide: Key Patterns to Discuss

Common AI "Tells":

Indicators of Human Writing:

Discussion Questions for Class:

Extension Activity: