The Effect of ChatGPT’s Grammar and Reformulation Feedback on EFL College Students’ Writing Performance

This study investigates the impact of ChatGPT’s grammar and reformulation feedback on the writing performance of EFL college students. Twenty-nine undergraduate EFL students from a Korea national university participated in this research, which utilizes ChatGPT-3.5 to provide automated grammar corrections and reformulation feedback, focusing on improvements in writing accuracy, fluency, and complexity. Using a pre-test and post-test design, the study also measures participants’ attitudes through a six-point Likert-scale questionnaire, analyzing their writing improvements based on IELTS descriptors. The results reveal statistically significant improvements in accuracy and fluency in student compositions. However, students noted minimal impact on complexity, suggesting that deeper noticing and engagement are necessary. This research highlights the potential of AI-driven feedback to support EFL learners and reduce instructor workload, while also emphasizing the importance of integrating awareness-raising activities by teachers or peers to maximize the utility of AI feedback.