Artificial intelligence is reshaping how we learn, work, and create. Academic writing is no exception. With AI tools offering everything from grammar corrections to paraphrasing and research assistance, it’s tempting to let technology shoulder more of the workload.

But here’s the catch: when we outsource too much of the thinking, we risk losing what makes our writing—and ideas—uniquely ours. So, how can we use AI to elevate our writing? It starts with reframing our relationship with these tools. Instead of seeing them as shortcuts, we should see them as partners in developing sharper critical thinking and better communication.

Using AI to Get Feedback Is Just the Beginning

AI tools like ChatGPT or Claude can offer useful feedback on structure, style, or grammar, but let’s not mistake their suggestions for final answers. Instead of blindly accepting edits, we can ask ourselves: 

  • Why does this suggestion work—or doesn’t it? 
  • Did the correction truly reflect my thinking? 

By treating AI feedback as a starting point rather than a finished product, we not only improve our writing but also strengthen our self-awareness as writers.

AI as a Research Assistant, Not a Substitute for Curiosity

Undoubtedly, AI makes finding sources faster than ever. But speed isn’t a replacement for judgment. When AI serves up research, we need to evaluate: Is this source credible? Does it align with my argument? What’s missing here? The best writers don’t stop at convenience; they use it as a springboard for deeper inquiry.

Paraphrasing: It Isn’t Just about Rewording

AI tools can effortlessly rephrase text, but academic writing isn’t about rewording—it’s about rethinking. Paraphrasing is an intellectual exercise that forces us to engage deeply with ideas and express them in our voice. When we lean too heavily on AI, we risk sidelining our critical engagement and, worse, crossing ethical lines.

Thinking Remains Our Superpower

AI is here to stay, but the most valuable skills in academic writing are the ones that machines can’t replicate: reasoning, creativity, and originality. When we write, we’re not just compiling words—we’re making sense of the world, building arguments, and creating something new. AI can enhance that process, but it’s up to us to keep the thinking—and the learning—alive. With effective academic writing, we are making a difference in the world—one sentence at a time. 

Writing isn’t just about producing a polished paper; it’s about becoming better thinkers. After all, no machine should and can take that away from us.

原文發表於：創勝文教電子報 202501 / 02 期・Jan 22