VietTESOL International Convention 2026

This study investigated the effectiveness of using ChatGPT as a useful tool to develop English paragraph writing skills for 65 culinary students at Vung Tau Tourism College. A four-week experimental study was conducted, focusing on 8 English writing topics related to culinary arts and food preparation I. The writing tasks were designed at B1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference. Students were randomly assigned to either an experimental group using ChatGPT with guided instruction or a control group receiving traditional teaching methods. Pre- and post-test writing assessments, evaluated by the British Council using CEFR-based writing rubrics, showed significantly greater improvement in the experimental group. The percentage of students achieving “Excellent” or “Good” scores increased from 20 % to 57% in the experimental group, compared with an increase from 20% to 40% in the control group. The findings indicate that ChatGPT, when integrated with critical thinking and ethical guidance, is an effective pedagogical tool for improving writing skill, particularly in organization, grammar and vocabulary. The study suggests that the use of ChatGPT needs to be controlled and guided to effectively served as a suplemetary learning tool.