Date of Award

1-1-2012

Thesis Type

masters

Document Type

Thesis

Divisions

language

Department

Faculty of Languages and Linguistics

Institution

University of Malaya

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to gather information on the problematic areas faced by diploma students in writing in English as a second language. Sixty English compositions written by the students were scored according to the ESL Composition Profile. The profile has four levels of competence and looks at content, organisation, vocabulary, language use and mechanics. Nearly half or more students only scored ‘Fair to Poor’ in all areas except for mechanics. Among all areas, a significantly high percentage of students performed badly in language use. Questionnaires were also distributed to teachers and students to learn about their perceptions of the most problematic areas in English writing. Both parties regard grammar, content, spelling and vocabulary as their main concerns. The results from this study provide evidence that students and teachers’ perception are in line with students’ writing. Areas that are perceived as problems for both teacher and students are reflected in students’ work.

Note

Submitted to the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Master of English as a Second Language

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