EFL Students’ Perception of Using AI Paraphrasing Tools in English Language Research Projects

Researchers and educators have different opinions on the use of AI-driven automated paraphrasing tools (APTs). Such tools can improve students’ writing performance but may result in accusations of plagiarism if students do not use them appropriately. This study aimed to examine EFL students’ perceptions of using APTs in their academic writing process. It fills a gap in the literature by highlighting the roles, appropriateness, and effectiveness of APTs use and identifying their advantages and disadvantages. During a research project course, the participants used APTs while writing their research papers. A questionnaire and semi-structured interviews were used to identify students’ perceptions of using APTs and to determine the advantages, disadvantages, and drawbacks of using them. The findings showed that EFL students’ perceptions toward using APTs are favorable; they view them as useful tools that have a significant impact on their academic writing process. The study recommended that APTs are helpful to EFL students but that students must not overly rely on them. Students must learn how to paraphrase to check the appropriateness of the texts produced by APTs.