RESEARCH TRENDS ON ACADEMIC WRITING FROM 2020 TO 2025

Abstract

Academic writing plays a vital role in scholarly communication. Yet, its development in response to digital transformation, multilingual learning contexts, and evolving pedagogies has not been comprehensively examined through bibliometric analysis. This study investigates global research trends in academic writing from 2020 to 2025 by analyzing 1051 English-language publications extracted from the Scopus database using a title-based search. The data was refined with OpenRefine, analyzed using Scopus Analyzer, and visualized through VOSviewer to explore patterns in co-authorship, keyword frequency, and citation strength. Findings reveal a notable increase in publication activity after 2020, with the United States (US), China, and the United Kingdom (UK) being recognized as major contributors in both volume and influence. Frequently occurring keywords such as ChatGPT, feedback, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and academic integrity reflect the growing interest in digital tools and ethical issues in academic writing instruction. Co-authorship trends show regional clustering, with limited engagement from underrepresented academic regions. Thematic mapping highlights two main research directions, namely the integration of advanced technologies in writing processes and the persistent emphasis on academic literacy for second language learners. This study offers a structured overview of the current landscape and highlights key areas for future inquiry, offering valuable insight for educators, researchers, and policymakers.