RSUSSH 2020

IN20-209 What Are the Factors Affecting Writing Skills as Perceived by Undergraduate Students in the English Academic Writing Class?

Presenter: Mr. Vorapon Mahakaew
Rangsit University, Thailand

Abstract

            The purpose of the study is to investigate the factors affecting writing skills of undergraduate students of Rangsit University. A number of the participants were sixty; they studied in English Academic Writing (ENG 333) in term 1/2018 at Rangsit University. A questionnaire was used as the instrument to collect data. The questionnaires were divided into four main parts: the general information; students’ interest, ability in writing and awareness of writing skills; students’ strategy and attitude toward writing in English; and factors causing students to have errors in writing. The data were analyzed by using frequency, percentages, and means. The findings of the study revealed that the most found errors were vocabulary knowledge and active- passive voice. Also, article usage was the third factors affecting their English writing skills.

Keywords: EFL; Writing

Citation format:

Mahakaew, V.. (2020). What Are the Factors Affecting Writing Skills as Perceived by Undergraduate Students in the English Academic Writing Class?. Proceeding in RSU International Research Conference, May 1, 2020. Pathum Thani, Thailand.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

witsanuphong suksakhon (Participant)

Hello Ajan Vorapon. I am content to hear that most students have a postive attitude towards English writing. However, can I ask what criterior that you employed to assess the students' English writing proficiency and classify them into 5 levels of proficiency? and do you think that the factors affecting the students' writing ability that you found have something to do with the L1 interference? 

Thank you so much :D

Witsanuphong

Mr. Vorapon Mahakaew (Presenter)

Dear Mr. WITSANUPHONG SUKSAKHON,

Thank you for the question. Here is the possible answer.

1. What criterior that you employed to assess the students' English writing proficiency and classify them into 5 levels of proficiency? 

Answer: Luxsamee (2014) reviews the important of effective English writing by many experts. She mentions that there are many significant factors which can create an effective writing communication. These components are consisted of grammatical skill, compositional skill, and domain knowledge.

  • Grammatical skill: it is the ability to construct a complete sentence. If there is a grammatical error, the sentence will not read correctly. Everyone has a basic degree of grammatical skill. People cannot communicate without it. This useful skill can elevate writing task one step further. Some people can construct sentence in high language register.

  • Compositional skill: it is the ability to organize and draft the idea in a sequence. It is also the ability to organize word to produce an effect. For instance, storytelling is a compositional skill. Compositional skill is not an extension of grammatical skill. It is a separate skill.

  • Domain knowledge: this ability is very important aspect for technical writing. Technical writers usually learn and gather the data on their audience in order to create the characters that they are writing for. Domain knowledge is important for other reasons than knowledge of the subject matter.

           According to the information above, Luxsamee also reports that there are many different goals of effective English writing. The concepts of effective writing are as follows:

  • Writing by using simple words and easy for reader to understand

  • Writing to the point and avoid unnecessary repetition, word, or sentence

  • Avoiding too many technical terms

  • Avoiding slang, offensive language and discrimination, racist or sexist

    language

2. Do you think that the factors affecting the students' writing ability that you found have something to do with the L1 interference? 

Answer: Yes, I do. Thandarin (2015) reviews the problems and needs in English writing by many experts. She remarks that one of the big problems of English writing is grammar. A study reveals the results from many factors, including the typological differences between the two languages and the negative influence of the mother tongue. Moreover, Srisitanon (2009) also mentions that the major problem in English writing is grammar because Thais are lack of ability in using correct grammar. It is hard for Thai people transmit opinions or ideas with correct grammar. Moreover, technical terms, slang, and idiomatic expressions which consist of implied meanings are the obstacles for most of Thai people in the use written communication. Lastly, Davis, McCormick and Hemphill (2000) find out that there are various problems in writing skill such as grammar, sentence construction and so on. Owing to English grammar is not similar as same as Thai grammar, so senders should consider the English language register of the receivers to avoid errors and misunderstandings.

Best regards,

Tony