The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Paragraph Writing Skills Among Students at a University in Vietnam

Artificial Intelligence has increasingly infiltrated and transformed English language teaching, especially in the area of writing instruction. This paper investigates the influence of Artificial Intelligence tools, particularly ChatGPT, on the English paragraph writing skills of students at a university in Vietnam using the Empower B1 textbook at a university in Vietnam. The research focuses on how AI, particularly through applications integrated into the writing curriculum, influences students' ability to write coherent, accurate, and logically structured paragraphs. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, including classroom observation, analysis of 100 writing samples, surveys, and group interviews to explore both the benefits and drawbacks of using AI in the writing process. The results indicate that while AI assists students in improving accuracy and coherence in their writing, the majority of students tend to become dependent on this tool. The study also highlights a concerning trend where some students tend to over-rely on AI, using it as a tool to generate content rather than developing their own writing skills and critical thinking. The research emphasizes the need for pedagogical strategies that guide students in using AI as a supportive tool to enhance their writing while ensuring they maintain intellectual independence and critical engagement with the writing process.