THE IMPACT OF AI-POWERED TOOLS ON EFL LEARNERS’ WRITING SKILLS: A CLASSROOM-BASED STUDY

Abstract

This classroom-based study examines the impact of artificial intelligence-powered tools on the development of writing skills among learners of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). With the rapid integration of AI technologies into English language teaching, tools such as ChatGPT and Grammarly have become increasingly popular in academic writing instruction. The study investigates whether guided AI-assisted instruction can enhance learners’ grammatical accuracy, lexical diversity, coherence, and overall writing quality. Twenty-two undergraduate EFL students participated in a six-week intervention in which AI tools were systematically incorporated into the writing process, including brainstorming, drafting, and revision stages. A pre-test and post-test research design using IELTS-style writing tasks was employed to measure students’ progress. Quantitative analysis revealed noticeable improvement in students’ writing performance, particularly in grammar accuracy and vocabulary use, while qualitative feedback indicated increased learner confidence and motivation. The findings suggest that AI-powered tools can serve as effective supplementary resources in EFL writing instruction when integrated ethically and under teacher guidance.