Essay Writing Challenges and Solutions for ESP Learners: A Case Study at the University of Technology-Iraq.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36317/kja/2025/v1.i63.14023Keywords:
Essay Writing, English for Specific Purposes, students, writing challenges, clustering techniqueAbstract
Abstract. Among the courses offered at the University of Technology (UoT) for various study programs is English for Specific Purposes (ESP). The improvement of students' English abilities, both in general English and in relation to a particular field, represents one goal of integrating ESP into the curriculum. The English language competence of the ESP program covers skills of speaking, listening, reading, writing, as well as grammar for students enrolled in this program. These abilities are then connected to themes relevant to their specific fields.
Essay writing constitutes one of the most crucial skills within such ESP program. In this study, a number of challenges was discovered with the lecture process, including ones with brainstorming, the process of writing, and the actual act of writing. The current investigation utilized a qualitative methodology, namely by examining 64 essays composed by students attending different programs of study to determine the challenges these students face. According to the investigation's findings, students have trouble acquiring ESP when they struggle with Plagiarism, grammar, punctuation, word selection, critical thinking, and essay structure.
To address the aforementioned challenges and to improve writing abilities of students, the clustering approach was employed. The student's performance was compared on a pretest along with posttest in writing. Every student first completed a pretest to determine his/her essay writing proficiency. Next, the students (the experimental group) received instruction in writing utilizing the clustering approach, and finally, they completed a posttest. Herein, the purpose is to demonstrate how the clustering approach affects students' writing skills. According to the results, students' writing skills have significantly improved as a result of taking the course.
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