EFL Students’ Perceptions of ChatGPT Feedback in IELTS Opinion Essays

This study investigates Uzbek EFL students’ perceptions of ChatGPT as a tool for IELTS Opinion Essay writing support, and explores the aspects of writing that they perceived as most effectively addressed by feedback from ChatGPT. Given the challenges many candidates face in IELTS writing, this research addresses a critical gap in understanding AI-driven writing support. 26 Uzbek EFL students preparing for IELTS participated in the study. After an introductory session on using ChatGPT with a pre-designed prompt, students wrote IELTS opinion essays, obtained ChatGPT feedback, and completed a survey about their experience. Data were collected through questionnaires and students’ interaction logs with ChatGPT. Participants generally perceived ChatGPT as a valuable tool for IELTS essay writing, particularly in task response, coherence and cohesion, with many recognizing its alignment with IELTS assessment criteria. Students reported increased confidence in their writing and appreciated the immediate, detailed feedback provided by ChatGPT. The study also revealed potential implications for test preparation strategies, suggesting that AI tools could provide targeted support for high-stakes language examinations. These findings suggest that AI-driven tools like ChatGPT, when used with appropriate guidance, can potentially enhance IELTS preparation strategies and support EFL learners in improving their writing skills for high-stakes exams.