The Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools in English Academic Writing among University Students: A Scoping Review

Zhou Bo, Lim Seong Pek, Li Jian, Wang Cong, Lu Tian Nan

doi:10.32038/ltrq.2025.53.05

European KnowledgeDevelopment Institute

Scoping Review

The Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools in English Academic Writing among University Students: A Scoping Review

Language Teaching Research Quarterly, Volume 53, Pages 95-114, https://doi.org/10.32038/ltrq.2025.53.05

Abstract
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As artificial intelligence (AI) use in English academic writing instruction has increased, this scoping review reviews empirical studies in higher education. However, the studies differ in theory use and teaching practice. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) protocol and the Population-Concept-Context (PCC) framework, a systematic Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection search yielded 20 eligible peer-reviewed studies published post-2020. Most studies were carried out in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) contexts, aiming to improve writing performance and learner motivation via AI-assisted tools. Common platforms encompass automated writing assessment systems. Theoretical frameworks were frequently limited to self-efficacy and scaffolding, with scant consideration for cognitive load, sociocultural adaptation, or ethical governance. Methodologically, most studies relied on short-term experimental designs, lacking longitudinal or classroom-based rigor. Future research should employ mixed-methods and longitudinal designs, include diverse learner demographics, and prioritize teacher preparation and ethical AI literacy to guarantee sustainable and equitable implementation.

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Keywords

Artificial Intelligence; Academic Writing; Higher Education; Scoping Review; Pedagogical Integration

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Author(s) Information

Zhou Bo

Zhou Bo is a lecturer in English at Meishan Pharmaceutical College, China, and a PhD candidate in English Education at INTI International University, Malaysia. His research focuses on English education, particularly AI-supported language teaching and bibliometric analysis. He can be contacted at i24028791@student.newinti.edu.my

Lim Seong Pek

Lim Seong Pek is a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Education and Liberal Arts, INTI International University. He received his Doctorate in Education (Ed.D) degree from Universiti Selangor. He specializes in media literacy, multimodality and teacher education.

Li Jian

Li Jian is a doctoral candidate and an assistant lecturer in the Department of Physical Education at Shanxi Institute of Science and Technology. He has published ten articles in academic journals and has led two provincial-level research projects. His research interests focus on physical education teaching and sports training. He can be contacted at i24029253@student.newinti.edu.my

Wang Cong

Wang Cong is pursuing a Doctor of Education at INTI International University, Malaysia. She holds a Master’s degree in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language from Jilin University. She has over ten years of experience in higher education and international project management. Her research interests include bilingual education and cross-cultural communication. She can be contacted at i24026767@student.newinti.edu.my

Lu Tian Nan

Lu Tiannan is a doctoral candidate and a part-time lecturer at the School of Animation, Hebei Academy of Fine Arts, and a Doctor of Education candidate at INTI International University, Malaysia. She has published four articles in peer-reviewed journals. Her research interests focus on art and design, particularly animation studies and visual design.

Publisher’s Note

The claims, arguments, and counter-arguments made in this article are exclusively those of the contributing authors. Hence, they do not necessarily represent the viewpoints of the authors’ affiliated institutions, or EUROKD as the publisher, the editors and the reviewers of the article.

Acknowledgements

Not applicable.

Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

CRediT Authorship Contribution Statement

Zhou Bo: Conceptualization, Methodology, Formal Analysis, Data Curation, Writing–Original Draft

Lim Seong Pek: Conceptualization, Writing-Review & Editing, Supervision

Li Jian: Data Curation

Wang Cong: Data Curation

Lu Tian Nan: Data Curation

Generative AI Use Disclosure Statement

ChatGPT and Grammarly were used only for language editing and grammatical refinement. All ideas, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and conclusions were developed and verified by the authors.

Ethics Declarations

World Medical Association (WMA) Declaration of Helsinki–Ethical Principles for Medical Research Involving Human Participants

This study adhered to the ethical principles of the World Medical Association (WMA) Declaration of Helsinki. As a scoping review based on previously published studies and publicly available data, it did not involve human participants. Ethical approval and informed consent were therefore not required.

Competing Interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Data Availability

All data analyzed in this study were sourced from the Web of Science database.