AI writing tools like EssayHero raise an important question: is using them cheating?

The short answer: no, if you use them correctly. But there's a right way and a wrong way to use AI feedback.

The Right Way: Learning From Feedback

EssayHero is designed as a learning tool, not a writing tool. Here's the correct workflow:

Step 1: Write First

Write your essay yourself, without any AI assistance. This is the crucial step. The writing is yours.

Step 2: Analyse

Submit your essay to EssayHero to see where you're gaining and losing marks.

Step 3: Learn

Read the feedback carefully. Understand why certain parts scored lower. What patterns do you notice?

Step 4: Revise (Optional)

If you want to practise revision, try to improve your essay based on the feedback. Then analyse again to see if you improved.

Step 5: Apply to Future Essays

The real value comes when you apply what you learned to your next essay—without AI help.

The Wrong Way: AI Dependency

Here's what NOT to do:

• Using AI to generate ideas you wouldn't have thought of
• Copying AI-suggested rewrites without understanding them
• Relying on AI to catch all your errors instead of learning the rules
• Using AI feedback during timed exam practice without first trying to self-assess

Why This Matters

In the actual DSE or IELTS exam, you won't have AI feedback. If you've become dependent on it, you'll struggle.

The goal is to internalise what good writing looks like, so you can produce it yourself under exam conditions.

For Teachers: How to Encourage Responsible Use

If you're a teacher, here's how to frame AI feedback tools for your students:

Recommended Approach

1. Have students write essays in class (no AI available)
2. Allow AI feedback for homework practice
3. Discuss the feedback in class—what patterns emerged?
4. Test improvement in subsequent in-class essays

What to Watch For

• Students whose homework quality far exceeds their in-class work
• Over-reliance on AI suggestions without understanding
• Inability to explain why certain changes improve writing

Key Message for Students

"EssayHero shows you what markers look for. Your job is to learn these patterns so well that you can apply them without help in the exam."

For Parents: Supporting Your Child

AI feedback tools can be valuable for home practice, but:

• Don't have your child use AI during timed practice sessions
• Do discuss the feedback with them—what did they learn?
• Don't worry if scores fluctuate—learning takes time
• Do trust your child's teacher's assessment over AI scores

The Honest Truth About AI Feedback

EssayHero provides estimates based on official marking criteria, but:

• AI can't perfectly replicate human judgement
• Creative or unconventional approaches may be misjudged
• Your teacher knows your work better than any AI
• The real exam will always be marked by humans

Use AI feedback as one input among many—alongside teacher feedback, peer review, and self-reflection.

A Note on Academic Integrity

Different schools have different policies on AI tools. If you're unsure:

1. Ask your teacher what's allowed
2. Be transparent about what tools you've used
3. Remember: the essay must be your own work

EssayHero analyses your writing—it doesn't write for you. That's an important distinction.

EssayHero is designed to supplement teacher feedback, not replace it. If any AI feedback seems incorrect, trust your teacher's judgement.