Promoting Independent Sentence Construction in Esl Learners by Minimizing Overreliance on Translation Tools

This study investigates the effects of overdependence on machine translation tools such as ChatGPT andGoogle Translate in ESL reading classes. While these tools offer convenience, they may hinder learners’ developmentof syntactic awareness and their ability to construct sentences independently. To address this issue, we implementeda targeted classroom strategy in which learners translated only unfamiliar words before reconstructing full sentenceson their own. We observed a notable improvement in students’ ability to produce grammatically accurate and fluentsentences, along with increased confidence when handling complex structures. This article presents the pedagogicalrationale, implementation methodology, results, and classroom-tested activities aimed at fostering syntactic awarenessand structural independence.