ENG3702
SUPP EXAM
ANSWERS
2025
, 2 ENG3702
January/February 2025
ESSAY
Distinguishing Between AI-Generated and Human-Created Texts
Introduction
The emergence of AI tools like Copilot has transformed the landscape of content
creation, producing text that closely resembles human writing with remarkable
precision. While this advancement offers practical advantages, it also presents
considerable challenges in differentiating between works created by humans and
those generated by AI. In this essay, I will identify which of the three texts provided
are AI-generated and which are authored by humans. By employing Critical
Discourse Analysis (CDA), I will examine linguistic and stylistic features, ultimately
arguing that Nelson Mandela’s famous statement is the product of human authorship.
Lastly, I will discuss the significance of recognizing AI-generated content in a world
increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence.
1. Identifying the Human and AI Texts
A close examination of the three texts shows clear linguistic and stylistic differences
that set human-written content apart from AI-generated material. The original text,
attributed to Nelson Mandela, is a statement he made in 1993 when he was
announced as a joint recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize with F.W. de Klerk. This text
reflects qualities typical of human expression, such as emotional depth, cultural
significance, and a purposeful use of rhetoric aimed at inspiring and uniting people.
On the other hand, the two AI-generated texts, although well-structured and
grammatically correct, lack the subtle nuances of language and context that define
Mandela’s statement. These texts exhibit clear signs of AI authorship, including
formulaic expressions, an over-reliance on balanced tones, and a lack of specific
context.
, 3 ENG3702
January/February 2025
2. Comparison and Contrast of the Texts
2.1 Linguistic Features
The human-authored text showcases a command of language that goes beyond
basic syntax and grammar. Mandela’s statement carries emotional weight and
cultural importance. For example, phrases like “peace is the greatest weapon for
development” and “we must act as a united people” highlight his dedication to
reconciliation and his insight into South Africa’s socio-political landscape. These
expressions are not only powerful in their rhetoric but also deeply rooted in Mandela’s
personal experiences and historical context.
In contrast, the AI-generated texts, while coherent and informative, show limitations in
linguistic creativity. They often depend on precise syntax and tend to use more
generalized language. For instance, AI texts frequently employ repetitive structures to
emphasize points, such as “collaboration is key to progress” or “unity strengthens
society,” but these phrases lack the cultural and emotional depth present in
Mandela’s words. Although they are technically accurate, they come across as
impersonal and detached.
2.2 Stylistic Characteristics
Mandela’s statement features a deliberate tone and a sophisticated use of rhetorical
devices. His metaphor of the “long walk to freedom” not only reflects his personal
journey but also symbolizes the collective struggle of South Africans during apartheid.
This layered meaning enriches the text and encourages readers to connect with it on
various levels.
In contrast, texts generated by AI focus on being clear and easy to understand, but
this often comes at the cost of stylistic depth. Their tone remains consistently neutral,
which, although useful for sharing information, misses the vibrancy and genuine feel
of human communication. Moreover, AI-generated texts usually steer clear of intricate
rhetorical techniques, favoring simple declarative sentences instead. For example, an
AI-generated statement might say, “Collaboration fosters harmony in society,” a
SUPP EXAM
ANSWERS
2025
, 2 ENG3702
January/February 2025
ESSAY
Distinguishing Between AI-Generated and Human-Created Texts
Introduction
The emergence of AI tools like Copilot has transformed the landscape of content
creation, producing text that closely resembles human writing with remarkable
precision. While this advancement offers practical advantages, it also presents
considerable challenges in differentiating between works created by humans and
those generated by AI. In this essay, I will identify which of the three texts provided
are AI-generated and which are authored by humans. By employing Critical
Discourse Analysis (CDA), I will examine linguistic and stylistic features, ultimately
arguing that Nelson Mandela’s famous statement is the product of human authorship.
Lastly, I will discuss the significance of recognizing AI-generated content in a world
increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence.
1. Identifying the Human and AI Texts
A close examination of the three texts shows clear linguistic and stylistic differences
that set human-written content apart from AI-generated material. The original text,
attributed to Nelson Mandela, is a statement he made in 1993 when he was
announced as a joint recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize with F.W. de Klerk. This text
reflects qualities typical of human expression, such as emotional depth, cultural
significance, and a purposeful use of rhetoric aimed at inspiring and uniting people.
On the other hand, the two AI-generated texts, although well-structured and
grammatically correct, lack the subtle nuances of language and context that define
Mandela’s statement. These texts exhibit clear signs of AI authorship, including
formulaic expressions, an over-reliance on balanced tones, and a lack of specific
context.
, 3 ENG3702
January/February 2025
2. Comparison and Contrast of the Texts
2.1 Linguistic Features
The human-authored text showcases a command of language that goes beyond
basic syntax and grammar. Mandela’s statement carries emotional weight and
cultural importance. For example, phrases like “peace is the greatest weapon for
development” and “we must act as a united people” highlight his dedication to
reconciliation and his insight into South Africa’s socio-political landscape. These
expressions are not only powerful in their rhetoric but also deeply rooted in Mandela’s
personal experiences and historical context.
In contrast, the AI-generated texts, while coherent and informative, show limitations in
linguistic creativity. They often depend on precise syntax and tend to use more
generalized language. For instance, AI texts frequently employ repetitive structures to
emphasize points, such as “collaboration is key to progress” or “unity strengthens
society,” but these phrases lack the cultural and emotional depth present in
Mandela’s words. Although they are technically accurate, they come across as
impersonal and detached.
2.2 Stylistic Characteristics
Mandela’s statement features a deliberate tone and a sophisticated use of rhetorical
devices. His metaphor of the “long walk to freedom” not only reflects his personal
journey but also symbolizes the collective struggle of South Africans during apartheid.
This layered meaning enriches the text and encourages readers to connect with it on
various levels.
In contrast, texts generated by AI focus on being clear and easy to understand, but
this often comes at the cost of stylistic depth. Their tone remains consistently neutral,
which, although useful for sharing information, misses the vibrancy and genuine feel
of human communication. Moreover, AI-generated texts usually steer clear of intricate
rhetorical techniques, favoring simple declarative sentences instead. For example, an
AI-generated statement might say, “Collaboration fosters harmony in society,” a
