The Impact of Artificial Intelligence (chat GPT) on Writing Accuracy of Iranian Intermediate EFL Learners and Their Level of Motivation

This study investigated the impact of ChatGPT on writing accuracy and motivation of Iranian intermediate EFL learners. Initially, the Oxford Placement Test (OPT) was administered to 113 intermediate EFL learners; who were selected from two language institutes in Tehran,. Based on the results of the OPT a group of 40 homogeneous learners were selected as the main participants of the study. The selected participants were randomly assigned to an experimental and a control group each consisting of 20 paticipants. Before the treatment, a writing accuracy pretest and a motivation questionnaire were administered to the participants in both groups. Later, the experimental group received AI-assisted writing instruction using ChatGPT through a web-based interface designed specifically for the study. They were trained on effective interaction with ChatGPT to enhance their writing skills and encouraged to use it at their convenience, both at home and in the classroom, to create a personalised learning experience. On the other hand, the control group was taught through traditional methods of writing instruction, in which they wrote and revised texts by themselves. After eight sessions of instruction; each lasting 90 minutes, participants in both groups were given a writing posttest and a motivation questionnaire. Next, the pretest and posttest results were analysed using independent samples t-tests, which revealed a statistically significant positive impact of ChatGPT on Iranian intermediate EFL learners’ writing accuracy and motivation. The study provides some theoretical and pedagogical implications for EFL learners and teachers.