# ArabIcros: AI-Powered Arabic Crossword Puzzle Generation for Educational Applications

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2312.01339 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2312.01339/

## Key facts

- Cited by 5 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 4 of its 22 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 3 Dec 2023.

## Builds on (most cited first, 4 of 4)

- [Language Models are Few-Shot Learners](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2005.14165/) (2020)
- [Exploring the Limits of Transfer Learning with a Unified Text-to-Text Transformer](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1910.10683/) (2019)
- [KUISAIL at SemEval-2020 Task 12: BERT-CNN for Offensive Speech Identification in Social Media](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2007.13184/) (2020)
- [Is GPT-3 all you need for Visual Question Answering in Cultural Heritage?](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2207.12101/) (2022)

## Built on by (most cited first, 5 of 5)

- [Puzzle Solving using Reasoning of Large Language Models: A Survey](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2402.11291/) (2024)
- [Clue-Instruct: Text-Based Clue Generation for Educational Crossword Puzzles](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2404.06186/) (2024)
- [A Turkish Educational Crossword Puzzle Generator](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2405.07035/) (2024)
- [Harnessing LLMs for Educational Content-Driven Italian Crossword Generation](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2411.16936/) (2024)
- [From Arabic Text to Puzzles: LLM-Driven Development of Arabic Educational Crosswords](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2501.11035/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

This paper presents the first Arabic crossword puzzle generator driven by advanced AI technology. Leveraging cutting-edge large language models including GPT4, GPT3-Davinci, GPT3-Curie, GPT3-Babbage, GPT3-Ada, and BERT, the system generates distinctive and challenging clues. Based on a dataset comprising over 50,000 clue-answer pairs, the generator employs fine-tuning, few/zero-shot learning strategies, and rigorous quality-checking protocols to enforce the generation of high-quality clue-answer pairs. Importantly, educational crosswords contribute to enhancing memory, expanding vocabulary, and promoting problem-solving skills, thereby augmenting the learning experience through a fun and engaging approach, reshaping the landscape of traditional learning methods. The overall system can be exploited as a powerful educational tool that amalgamates AI and innovative learning techniques, heralding a transformative era for Arabic crossword puzzles and the intersection of technology and education.