Enhancing Secondary ESL Students’ Writing Proficiency with AI powered Writing Tools: An Empirical Study

Abstract

The increasing presence of artificial intelligence (AI) in language education has accelerated the use of AI powered writing tools to support English as a Second Language (ESL) learners. Despite their growing adoption, empirical evidence on their effectiveness at the secondary school level within Malaysian international school contexts remains limited. This study investigates the influence of AI-powered writing tools on the writing proficiency of 41 secondary ESL students enrolled in an international school in Kuala Lumpur. A quantitative research design was employed, involving pre-test and post-test writing tasks and a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire examined students’ perceptions of grammar accuracy, vocabulary development, sentence restructuring, learner autonomy, and challenges associated with AI use. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics via SPSS. The findings revealed high mean scores for perceived improvement in grammar recognition and correction (M = 4.10, SD = 1.11), vocabulary variety (M = 3.95, SD = 1.16), and sentence restructuring ability (M = 3.90, SD = 1.18). Students also reported positive perceptions of AI feedback in promoting independent revision (M = 3.78, SD = 1.11) and critical evaluation of AI-generated suggestions (M = 4.00, SD = 1.10). However, a moderate level of dependence on AI-powered writing tools was identified (M = 3.73, SD = 1.18). Overall, the results indicate that AI-powered writing tools can effectively support multiple dimensions of ESL writing proficiency when integrated with appropriate instructional guidance. The study highlights the pedagogical value of AI-assisted writing while emphasising the need for balanced implementation to prevent excessive reliance.