The Influence of AI (ChatGPT) on the Quality of Formal Letters and Emails Written by Students in English for Correspondence Courses

The Influence of AI (ChatGPT) on the Quality of Formal Letters and Emails Written by Students in English for Correspondence Courses

Adji Putra1,Husnil Khotimah2, Riski Rahmadani3

1,2,3STAIN Mandailing Natal, Panyabungan, Sumatra Utara

E-mail: 1@gmail.com,2husnilkhotimah571@gmail.com, 3riskirahmadani6295@gmail.com

Abstract

      The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in educational practices has transformed how students approach writing tasks, particularly in English for Correspondence courses. This study aims to investigate the influence of ChatGPT, an AI-based language model, on the quality of formal letters and emails written by university students. Through qualitative and quantitative analyses of student outputs before and after using ChatGPT, the research reveals significant improvements in structure, vocabulary, grammar accuracy, and formality. The study also highlights students' perceptions of AI as a supportive tool in enhancing their written communication skills.

Keywords:English for Correspondance,ChatGPT,formal letters,and emails.

 INTRODUCTION

    Formal correspondence in English, including letters and emails, is a crucial skill for university students, particularly in business, academic, and professional contexts. However, many students face difficulties in organizing ideas, maintaining appropriate tone, and applying correct language conventions. The emergence of AI writing assistants, such as ChatGPT, offers new opportunities to support students in overcoming these challenges. This article explores the impact of using ChatGPT on the quality of students' formal written correspondence in English.

   Correspondence courses in English often require students to master the conventions of formal communication, including grammar, tone, structure, and clarity. Recent advancements in AI, with tools like ChatGPT, offer real-time feedback and writing assistance, potentially transforming the learning process and outcomes for students.

LITERATURE REVIEW

     The use of AI in language learning has gained increasing attention. According to Li et al. (2023), AI writing assistants can help improve learners' grammar, vocabulary, and coherence. Meanwhile, Aljanabi (2022) suggests that AI tools provide instant feedback, enabling students to recognize and correct errors independently. In the context of English correspondence, AI can function as a practical writing partner, offering suggestions on formal language use, layout, and tone, which are often areas of weakness among EFL learners.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

     This research employed a qualitative approach involving 24 university students enrolled in an English for Correspondence course. Students were asked to write formal letters and emails before and after using ChatGPT. Their works were assessed using a rubric covering content, organization, language use, formality, and mechanics. Additionally, participated in interviews to gather their perceptions of ChatGPT's role in supporting their writing.

1.Research Design

   This study employed a qualitative approach to analyze the influence of ChatGPT on quality of students' formal letters and emails.

2.Research Subjects

   The participants of this study werw 24 students enrolled in the English for Correspondence at State College of Islamic Studies Mandailing Natal in North Sumatra,Indonesia.The students were in their 4th and 6th semester,consisting of 5 male and 19 female students,aged between 19-23 years.

3.Data Collection Techniques

    The data in this study were collected through several instruments:

*Pre-test and Post-test Writing Task

Students were assigned to write a formal letters and a formal email before and after being introduced to ChatGPT as a writing assistamce tool.

*Interviews:

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 randomly selected students to obtain in-depth qualitative experiences using ChatGPT.

4. Data Analysis Techniques

     Qualitative data were gathered through:

1.Formal Letters and Email Writing Assessment Rubric

This rubric was designed to assess students writing based on five aspects:

Content

Organization

Language Use

Formality

Mechanics

2.Student Perception Questionnaire

This questions from students,covering:

Ease of using ChatGPT

The benefits of ChatGPT in improving writing skills

Challenges or concerns in using ChatGPT

3.Interview Guidelines

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with students to gain deeper insights into their experiences, challenges and suggestions regarding the use of ChatGPT in formal writing tasks.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

1.Improvement in Writing Quality

   The results indicated notable improvements in students' writing after using ChatGPT.

*Content and Organization: Students produced clearer, more logically organized letters and emails.

*Language Accuracy: There was a significant reduction in grammar and vocabulary errors.

*Formality and Tone: Students showed better control of formal expressions, polite requests, and professional closings.

2.Students' Perceptions

   Most students expressed positive attitudes towards using ChatGPT. They reported that the tool helped them generate ideas, find suitable formal expressions, and check grammar. Some students, however, cautioned against overreliance on AI, nothing the importance of understanding the underlying principles of formal correspondence.

3.Challenges and Ethical Considerations

    The study also noted concerns about plagiarism, students' dependence on AI, and the potential reduction in students' independent writing skills. Therefore, it is essential to integrate AI tools as supplementary resources rather than primary writing engines.

CONCLUSION

   The influence of ChatGPT and similar AI tools on the quality of formal letters and emails written by students in English correspondence courses is predominantly positive. These tools enhance grammatical accuracy, structure, and vocabulary, making student writing clearer and more professional or formality. However, educators must remain vigilant to ensure that AI serves as an aid to learning rather than a substitute for independent thought and creativity. With balanced integration, AI can be a powerful asset in developing effective communication skills for academic and professional success.

REFERENCES

Aljanabi, E. (2022). The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Improving EFL Learners' Writing Skills. International Journal of English Language Studies.

Alshahrani, A. (2023). Using AI tools in teaching business English writing: Implications for email etiquette and formality. Journal of Language and Business, 9(2), 34-50.

Dwivedi, Y. K., et al. (2023). So what if ChatGPT wrote it? Multidisciplinary perspectives on opportunities, challenges and implications of generative conversational AI for research, practice and policy. International Journal of Information Management, 71, 102642. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2023.102642

 Farrokhnia, M. R., et al. (2023). A systematic review of AI-based writing assistants in higher education: Implications for teaching and learning academic writing. Education and Information Technologies.

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Zhai, X. (2023). ChatGPT for academic writing: A game changer or a disruptive force? Journal of Educational Computing Research, 61(3), 599-621.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/366463233_ChatGPT_User_Experience_Implications_for_Education