VietTESOL International Convention 2026

Problem-solution essays are often considered difficult for students to write, as they require organizing the essay logically, identifying relevant problems, and suggesting appropriate solutions. While AI-assisted writing in general has attracted attention from many scholars recently, limited research has examined specifically ChatGPT's use in supporting problem–solution essays. The purpose of this study was to determine English majors’ perceptions of using ChatGPT in writing problem–solution essays. This study used a mixed-methods approach, including a 5-point Likert-scale questionnaire administered to 81 university students and semi-structured interviews with 5 volunteer participants. Questionnaire items and interview questions mainly focused on how ChatGPT can support problem-solution essays across different writing stages. The questionnaire findings showed that most participants perceived ChatGPT positively, especially helping students identify relevant problems, solutions, and supporting details, organize ideas logically, and improve grammar. Interview results also revealed that ChatGPT not only supported learners in suggesting new ideas related to problems and solutions, evaluating the relevance of the ideas or essay structure, but also proposing relevant resources and materials for learners to confirm or enrich their knowledge of this type of essay; therefore, increasing their confidence in planning, writing, and revising the essays. However, some students reported difficulties in selecting relevant content from AI suggestions and maintaining their own style when revising AI-supported essays. The findings suggest that ChatGPT can support EFL students’ problem–solution essays, while emphasizing the need for guidance on the selective use of AI output and for ensuring coherence between AI-generated ideas and students’ original writing.