AI-Powered Writing Tools in ESL/EFL Contexts: A Systematic Review of Empirical Studies

Recent advances in generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Grammarly, QuillBot, Poe, etc.) have accelerated AI integration into writing instruction. This PRISMA‑informed systematic review examined empirical studies from Scopus and Web of Science (January ۲۰۱۹–May ۲۰۲۵) using explicit screening, selection, and appraisal criteria. From ۳۱۲ sources, ۴۶ peer‑reviewed studies were synthesized narratively. Findings indicated that AI‑based writing tools enhance linguistic fluency, cohesion, coherence, and accuracy. Several studies also reported higher student motivation and reduced writing anxiety. The quasi‑experimental research showed that AI‑generated corrective feedback such as Poe could lower anxiety and improve linguistic quality more effectively than the teacher feedback alone (Wang, ۲۰۲۴). Comparative studies confirmed the benefits of AI feedback for fluency, accuracy, and syntactic complexity. Learners generally expressed positive attitudes toward AI writing aids, appreciating their immediacy and support for autonomous learning. Nonetheless, concerns persisted about text homogenization, superficial engagement with automated suggestions, plagiarism risks, ethical dilemmas, and threats to assessment integrity. Overall, empirical evidence suggests that integrating AI into writing pedagogy offers measurable linguistic and affective gains, but requires careful pedagogical guidance and ethical consideration to ensure authentic learning outcomes and maintain academic integrity.

کلیدواژه ها:

Artificial Intelligence ، ChatGPT ، Academic writing ، Feedback ، ESL/EFL