Scaffolding Lower-Intermediate ESL Learners in Essay Writing with AI Tools

Scaffolding Image credit to: https://www.educationtask.com/importance-of-scaffolding-in-education.html#google_vignette

Introduction

Essay writing presents significant challenges for lower-intermediate ESL learners, who typically struggle with vocabulary acquisition, grammatical accuracy, and coherent organisation of ideas. However, artificial intelligence tools can provide effective scaffolding to support these learners in developing fundamental writing skills through a structured, incremental approach.

AI-Assisted Learning Framework

Contemporary AI-powered platforms such as DeepSeek, Copilot, and Gemini AI can support ESL learners throughout various stages of the essay writing process by providing guidance in key areas:

1. Ideation and Content Development - Many ESL learners experience difficulty generating sufficient ideas and supporting details. AI tools can assist by suggesting relevant topics, providing organisational outlines, and recommending key points for inclusion in essays.

   
   

2. Structural Organisation - AI writing assistants can demonstrate appropriate essay structures, including introductions, body paragraphs, and conclusions. These tools offer templates and cohesive devices to help students organise their writing effectively.

   
   

3. Linguistic Enhancement - Model essays generated for lower-intermediate learners can expose them to relevant vocabulary and sentence structures, providing the necessary linguistic scaffolding they require for development.

Pedagogical Considerations

It is essential for ESL instructors to balance AI utilisation with active learning methodologies. While AI serves as a valuable instructional resource, it should complement rather than replace the authentic writing process. Educators should encourage students to use AI as a guiding framework rather than a substitute for independent composition. Classroom activities such as guided discussions and teacher-led scaffolding should supplement AI tools to ensure learners progressively develop autonomous writing capabilities.

Practical Implementation

The following example demonstrates how AI can be incorporated into ESL writing instruction. Teachers may type this prompt into an AI application: "Write a 5-paragraph essay on pros and cons of online tuition for weak ESL learners. Use very basic vocabulary and sentence structures. The essay should be about 250 words." (Aligned with Part 3 Essay requirements of SPM 1119/2).

Sample AI-Generated Essay (Gemini AI):

Online tuition can help weak ESL learners. It is good because they can learn at home. They do not need to travel. This saves time and money. Also, they can use online tools. These tools make learning fun. They can watch videos and play games. This helps them learn English words and sentences. They can also get one-on-one help from a teacher. This means they can ask questions easily. The teacher can focus on their problems.

However, online tuition also has some problems. Some students do not have good computers or internet. This makes it hard for them to learn. Also, they can get distracted at home. They might watch TV or play games instead of studying. It is hard for the teacher to see if they are paying attention. They might also feel lonely. They do not see other students in person.

Another pro is that online lessons can be recorded. Students can watch them again. This helps them remember what they learned. They can learn at their own speed. If they do not understand something, they can watch the lesson again. This is very useful for weak learners. They need extra time to learn.

But, online learning needs self-discipline. Students need to be responsible. They must do their homework and study on their own. Some weak learners find this hard. They need someone to tell them what to do. Without a teacher in the same room, they might not study enough.

In conclusion, online tuition has both good and bad sides for weak ESL learners. It can be helpful if they have good internet and are disciplined. But, it can be hard if they do not have these things. It is important to think about these things before choosing online tuition.

Extended Learning Activities

The model essay above provides a foundation for several instructional activities:

1. Simplification Exercises - Instructors can guide learners to rephrase complex expressions using their existing vocabulary. For example, "They can get distracted at home" could be simplified to "You cannot focus at home," and "Another pro is that online lessons can be recorded" to "One more good point for online tuition would be students can record their online lessons."

   
   

2. Grammar Focus - Teachers can highlight the importance of formal writing conventions, such as avoiding contractions in academic essays (particularly for Part 2 and Part 3 essays of SPM 1119), as these affect Communicative Achievement scoring.

   
   

3. Comprehension Identification - Students can identify and highlight sections they find challenging, such as "Some weak learners find this hard," for collaborative discussion and clarification.

   
   

4. Peer Teaching - Instructors may facilitate peer-led simplification activities, where students discuss and rewrite complex sentences, followed by presenting their revisions on the whiteboard for class analysis.

   
   

5. Independent Application - The lesson can culminate in an independent writing assignment on a related topic, such as "The Pros and Cons of Solo Travel," allowing students to apply newly acquired skills.

Conclusion

By strategically integrating AI tools into ESL writing instruction, educators can provide structured support that builds confidence and competence in lower-intermediate learners. This scaffolded approach enables students to progressively develop their writing proficiency while gaining greater facility in expressing ideas in English. The combination of AI-assisted learning and traditional pedagogical practices creates an effective framework for addressing the specific needs of lower-intermediate ESL writers.