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Description
In the technological era, integrating AI tools into teaching writing skill for EFL learners has proved effective and received considerable attention of many educators. This study aims at exploring the impact of IELTS Writing Checker Bot, an AI-powered chatbot designed to evaluate IELTS essays, on improving grammar competency among IELTS learners. The research employed a mixed-method experimental design, involving 80 senior students at Ho Chi Minh City University of Foreign Languages and Information Technology. The experimental group utilized the IELTS Writing Checker Bot within a period of 12 weeks while the control group received traditional instructions. Quantitative data were collected through pre-tests, post-tests, and questionnaires. The results reveal that the experimental group outperformed their peers in the control group in terms of the "Grammatical Range and Accuracy" criterion. In addition, according to the results of the questionnaire and interviews, students characterized the IELTS Writing Checker Bot as a user-friendly and inspiring tool which made it easier for them to correct errors and encouraged them to practice writing essays more frequently. These findings suggest that IELTS Writing Checker Bot can be an effective tool to enhance grammar learning as well as improving writing skill. Further research is recommended to investigate its effectiveness when applied to a larger group of EFL students.
Key words: IELTS writing checker bot, AI-powered chatbot, grammar competency, IELTS writing, EFL learners.
