THE IMPACT OF GENERATIVE AI ON ESLACADEMIC WRITING SKILLS: A COMPREHENSIVE AND SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

This paper reports a comprehensive and systematic analysis and review of recent and advanced research on the impact of generative artificial intelligence (AI) on ESL academic writing published in impact factor journals between 2023 and 2026. There is no doubt that the Second-language writing practices in higher education have been greatly impacted by the quick development of AI-powered writing tools like ChatGPT, Grammarly, Gemini, and Claude. This paper investigates the impact of generative AI on the writing skills, language development, learner autonomy, feedback procedures, and academic integrity of ESL learners. The review discusses research on AI-assisted academic writing from conceptual papers, empirical investigations, scoping reviews, and systematic reviews. Proponents of the use of AI in ESL classrooms point to the fact that generative AI is able to level the playing field when it comes to students' writing capabilities. Some students may struggle with the generative ideas and analysis that writing requires. In these cases, AI can be used to help English language learners (ELLs) write ideas and express them articulately and coherently in English. Critics point to the exacerbation of the digital divide that this technology may cause. With one student being able to have writing assistance whilst other students do not, this technology may ultimately be counterproductive. With the introduction of AI, some students may adopt a passive learning method and just rely on AI assistance. ESL instructors then will need to find a way where the use of AI does not significantly improve the writing of ELLs when compared to those who use traditional methods. Moreover, It has been found that AI enhances student-centered instruction and gives teachers much better writing tools. Using AI, ESL teachers can generate prompts; walk through for various writing skills, grading rubrics, and indicators for strengthening students' writing ability. The ESRC certainly supports the use of AI in ESL classrooms.