The advent of artificial intelligence has significantly transformed the landscape of language assessment, particularly in the evaluation of English speaking skills. This article examines the theoretical foundations, current applications, and pedagogical implications of AI-powered oral assessment tools, drawing on recent literature in applied linguistics, educational technology, and machine learning. It argues that, while AI-driven systems offer considerable advantages in terms of scalability, consistency, and immediacy of feedback, their effective integration into educational practice requires careful attention to issues of validity, fairness, and the irreplaceable role of human judgment.
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