EF EPI Introduces AI-Based Speaking and Writing Assessment System for the First Time

JAKARTA - The wave of artificial intelligence utilization in the world of education has created a major change in the way English proficiency is measured. If previously the language test focused more on receptive aspects such as reading and listening, now technology allows a more comprehensive evaluation of productive skills.

The research entitled "Empowering Language Assessment: The Pioneering Role of Artificial Intelligence" reveals that AI is able to increase the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of language assessment, especially in speaking and writing. Automated systems such as automated essay scoring and NLP-based voice recognition work quickly to assess sentence structure, fluency, and vocabulary.

The need for a fast evaluation process is increasingly felt in today's working world. Global companies demand the ability to communicate spontaneously, clearly, and professionally, which can only be assessed through the aspects of speaking and writing. AI technology helps realize such assessments in a more relevant way. In addition to accelerating results, AI also expands opportunities for anyone to access tests from anywhere, making the measurement process more inclusive.

The ability of AI to provide a virtual training environment is also supported by various studies that highlight the benefits of adaptive learning. Students can have a dialogue with a chatbot, write texts, or receive automatic corrections that help them develop more natural communication. With 24-hour access to AI-based training, the learning process becomes more consistent, especially for participants who previously had difficulty getting intensive or face-to-face training.

Seeing this direction of change, the EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI) 2025 introduces an assessment of productive ability using EF's AI technology EFEKTA. For more than a decade, the EF EPI has measured global English proficiency through the EF SET, and this year more than 2 million adults participated.

The implementation of AI makes the process of assessing speaking and writing faster and more accurate.

"AI opens up new opportunities in more personal and adaptive English learning," said Yunita Yanti, Academic Operations Manager of EF EFEKTA English for Adults, Tuesday, December 16.

The global theme of this year's report, English in the Age of AI, emphasizes that technology does not replace human communication. AI helps provide training and personalization, but empathy, spontaneity, and human connection remain the core of language competence.

"Strong speaking and writing skills are key to effective communication and global collaboration in the AI era," said Yunita.

This new approach confirms that English proficiency is becoming increasingly important, even in the midst of rapid technological developments.

"AI is currently changing the way we learn to use English," said Fanno Hendriawan, Operations Director. "But precisely because of this, the value of English language skills is becoming increasingly important," he explained.

Through EF EFEKTA English for Adults, an AI-based learning system is combined with face-to-face teaching, including the AI Conversation feature that provides real-time corrections. This feature is designed to enrich the practice experience without replacing the role of the teacher.

"AI should be seen as a supporting means that enriches the learning process, not a substitute for human interaction," said Yunita.