The EAP‐AIAS: Adapting the AI Assessment Scale for English for Academic Purposes

ABSTRACT The advancement of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) is complicating traditional techniques in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) instruction. This paper proposes a novel adaptation of an existing scale (the AI Assessment Scale), which is designed to facilitate effective learning and assessment in the era of GenAI. We label this the EAP AI Assessment Scale (EAP‐AIAS). The EAP‐AIAS consists of five levels, ranging from “No AI” to “Full AI,” each delineating appropriate GenAI usage in EAP tasks. This offers a new perspective and approach for educators grappling with how to integrate GenAI into their teaching practice. We discuss the rationale behind this adaptation, considering the unique needs of language learners and the dual focus of EAP on language proficiency and the development of academic skills. By offering a flexible scale, the EAP‐AIAS seeks to empower practitioners seeking to deal with the challenge of GenAI integration in EAP and prepare students for an AI‐enhanced academic and professional future. This adaptation represents a step towards addressing the pressing need for ethical and pedagogically sound AI integration in language education.