Abstract
This scoping review studies the essential concepts and research methodologies best suited for exploring AI-assisted academic writing, with a focus on the context of applied linguistics and language education in Kazakhstan. The objectives included identifying key concepts, mapping methodological approaches, assessing emerging trends, revealing gaps and inconsistencies, and offering recommendations for improved practices. Using the PCC framework, the included studies involved scholars, educators, and students in Kazakhstan who addressed the use of AI tools in academic writing. Studies unrelated to academic writing, the Kazakhstani context, or the relevant fields were excluded. Searches were carried out in April 2025 across Scopus, Google Scholar, IEEE, and local databases, and conference proceedings 2021 and 2025 in English. A total of 40 relevant references were analyzed thematically and synthesized narratively. These studies focused on higher education and the use of tools like AI-driven writing assistants, grammar checkers, and plagiarism detection software in academic publishing. Findings indicated growing but cautious adoption of AI technologies, with common themes including improved writing quality, concerns over plagiarism, and the need for clear guidelines. The review underscores the importance of localized research, institutional policy development, and educator training to ensure ethical and effective AI integration in academic writing practices.