PERSUASIVE WRITING SKILLS OF INDONESIAN STUDENTS IN THE AI ERA: A LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF ARGUMENTATION

Abstract

This study analyzes how Indonesian students construct persuasive arguments in the context of the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) as a writing partner. The study employed an explanatory sequential mixed methods design involving linguistic analysis of 200 persuasive texts and in-depth interviews with 20 students. Quantitative findings indicate a dominance of inductive reasoning, a weak connection between claims and evidence, and a low use of warrants and backing. Style patterns exhibit high repetition, minimal metaphors, and homogenous sentence structures consistent with AI output. Qualitative findings reveal a reliance on AI that produces surface coherence but does not strengthen argumentative logic. Synthesis of the findings resulted in the AI-Assisted Persuasive Reasoning Framework, which explains how AI enhances the mechanical aspects of writing but tends to weaken rhetorical originality and depth of reasoning. The results emphasize the need to develop persuasive writing pedagogy based on critical digital literacy so that students can utilize AI without losing their academic identity.