ABSTRACT

Name : Ilham Al Khoiri
Study Program : English Education
Title : Students’ Perception on the Use of ChatGPT in Essay Writing at
the English Education Study Program of State Islamic University
of Sulthan Thaha Saifuddin Jambi

This research aims to investigate students’ perceptions of the use of ChatGPT
in essay writing at the English Education Study Program of State Islamic University
of Sulthan Thaha Saifuddin Jambi. The study focuses on how students perceive the
use, benefits, and barriers of integrating ChatGPT into the essay writing process.

Using a descriptive quantitative design, data were collected from 50 fourth-
semester students through a questionnaire consisting of 21 items and analyzed using

descriptive statistics. The results indicate that students have a positive perception
of using ChatGPT in essay writing, with an overall average score of 3.78, which
falls into the Positive category according to the interpretation scale. Students find
ChatGPT easy to use, time-efficient, and supportive in generating ideas, improving
clarity, and enhancing the overall essay writing process. However, they are also
aware of certain limitations, such as the potential for inaccurate information,
incorrect citations, and weak explanations for complex or technical topics. These
findings suggest that while ChatGPT is a valuable tool for academic writing, it
should be used responsibly and balanced with the development of independent
writing skills.
Keywords: perception, ChatGPT, essay writing, writing.