Difculties in writing skill of english majored freshmen at a university in vietnam

Among the various skills required to master this language, writing is one of the most challenging ones for English who are freshmen.. The purpose of this study is to identify the factors

TAY 00 UNIVERSITY

Research proposal

Difficulties in Writing Skill of

English Majored Freshmen

at a University in Vietnam

Supervisor: Members of group:

Dang Thi Bao Dung, Ph.D 1 Duong Quy Hai

2 Bui Dinh Bao

3 Nguyen Van Tiep

Class: English 18A

May, 2024

Secondly, we would like to thank our supervisor, PhD Dang Thi Bao Dung, for her

unwavering support She provided invaluable guidance, constructive feedback, and necessary corrections to steer our research in the right direction

Moreover, she was always willing to provide us with many reference materials during the research period Truthfully, we could not have completed this research without her

encouragement and guidance

Lastly, we express our special thanks to our beloved family and dear friends who have always been by our side, motivating and encouraging us to complete this research proposal

COMMENTS

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CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 4 2.1 Terms of definitiOnS c c2 00 2n 011 n1 nnn nh nhn nh hà Hy re 4

2.1.2 The importance of writing c c.c cán cà non c2Ð 2.2 Some factors difficulties of writing_

2.2.2 Grammar Ặ cà nền nh nh cà cá cái ⁄Ð

2.3 Related studies

CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH AIMS - RESEARCH QUESTIONS

3.1 Research aims_ IG 3.2 Research questions TỔ

3.3 Research hypothesis Q00 c0 nàn nh nh nhe CHAPTER 4 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

5.4 ldea arrangemer† c.c c2 cnc cà nh nh nêu hREFERENCES

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ABSTRACT

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Writing plays a crucial role in learning foreign languages, especially English Among the various skills required to master this language, writing is one of the most challenging ones for English who are freshmen A research study titled "Difficulties in Writing Skill of English Majored Freshmen at University in Vietnam" aims to shed light on this issue

The research involves 80 English-majored freshmen studying English 18A and 18B at Tay

Do University The study combines quantitative and qualitative research methods, using both a questionnaire and an interview to assess the survey The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that contribute to the student's difficulties in writing, such as vocabulary knowledge, grammar, background knowledge, and idea arrangement

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

(This chapter mentions the rationale, the significance, and organization of the research) 1.1 Rationale

English is the most used language in the world Most academic documents, studies, and

reports from major educational institutions and universities are written in English Learning

English helps learners access an endless source of knowledge (Kumar, 2009) state that

"English is the most important language in the world because it is the only language that

truly links the whole world together” Also, before the international integration, there are many foreign companies doing business in Vietnam, and the importance of English is more and more focused If students know and master English, they will easily be respected and arranged to work with foreign partners and international fields and very easy to advance in their careers

Writing in English is essential because it is a form of written communication Listening, speaking, reading, and writing are the four English skills that English learners must acquire

in order to master the language effectively Of all four skills, writing is considered a crucial skill in teaching and learning English as a foreign language Boonpattanaporn (2005) stated

that “Writing is one of the necessary means for people to express their thinking or emotion and to communicate precisely”

Furthermore, writing is an important skill that should be mastered by English language

learners Writing makes learners need to express their ideas, emotions, and creativity to

make their writing interesting to read According to Carroll (1990), the most important invention in human history is writing It provides a relatively permanent record of

information, opinions, beliefs, feelings, arguments, explanations, theories, etc According

to Kane (2000), writing has three steps: thinking about it, doing it, and doing it again (and again and again, as often as time will allow and patience will endure)

Moreover, writing can also sharpen our thinking skills Brown (2003) said that learning to write “well” is difficult in any language, even in our native language According to Dorothy

E Zemach (2005), writing is an important form of communication in day-to-day life it is especially role in college

Additionally, writing helps to express thoughts, viewpoints, and feelings to readers Rogers (2005) stated that writing is one of the important skills because writing is a tool to express ideas and record important documents In other words, writing is the ability to put pen and paper to express ideas through symbols This way, representations on paper will have meaning and content that could be communicated to other people by the writers

However, English is not an easy skill to learn for many students Many students seem to lack the skills to be able to write English well They know exactly what they want to write

but their writing is not as good as they would like As a result, they can make readers feel uninterested, unable to understand or misunderstand what they write, leading to their

writing getting worse

Besides, they face challenges when changing their thoughts from their mother language to English due to various factors, including vocabulary, grammar, background knowledge, and especially ideal arrangement As Yates and Kenkel (2002) argued writing problems as related to the grammatical, syntactic, and meaning of a target language They are divided into two categories: surface problems related to grammar, and global problems related to

meaning, coherence, and organization

Therefore, a study titled "difficulties in writing skill of English major freshmen at University in Vietnam" is conducted to identify the problems that lead to these situations

1.2 Significance of the research

The results of this study will benefit society greatly, as writing plays a crucial role in various fields today To pass the challenges faced while writing, students must identify the root causes, and recognizing the obstacles in writing is necessary to help students improve their writing skills In other words, the purpose of this study is to assist students in identifying

their weaknesses and can overcome the difficulties and become a good writer

1.3 Organization of the research

The study is made up of five main chapters as follows:

questions Besides, the significance and organization of the research are also

listed here

consisting of definitions of writing, the importance of writing, and the factors

causing difficulties in writing

instruments, data analysis, and procedure

figure out the participants’ difficulties in speaking and what factors are causing the difficulties

gives the conclusion, implication, reflect on the limitations of the study, and put forward recommendations for further research

CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW

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(This chapter consists of definitions and the importance of speaking, factors causing

difficulties, and related studies)

2.1 Terms of definitions

2.1.1 Definitions of writing

Writing skill is an integral part of communication It involves the process of conveying messages by marking pages with letters and words, which are then combined to form

sentences and paragraphs Writing is one of the essential language skills that need to be

mastered when learning English According to Petty and Jensen (1980), writing

encompasses more than just forming letters and words They suggest that writing involves

putting words into sentences and paragraphs, spelling words correctly, and observing conventions in written forms and more

The acquisition of writing skill is an art that is cultivated through practice and experience Brown (2001) emphasizes the complexity involved in writing, stating that written products

often result from thinking, drafting, and revising procedures that require specialized skills

not naturally developed by every speaker Additionally, he suggests that students should learn how to generate and organize ideas coherently, revise text for clearer meaning, and edit text for appropriate grammar

Writing is a multifaceted ability that encompasses grammar, vocabulary, conception, rhetoric, and various other components of language Therefore, effective writing demands proficiency in expressing ideas, organizing them coherently, and selecting the appropriate words

In another definition, Richards and Renandya (2002) add that written language is complex

at the clause level, highlighting the intricacy of crafting written expressions Writing involves multiple elements such as content, organization, originality, style, fluency, and

accuracy.

Additionally, Flower and Hayes (1980) suggest that writing is a recursive process that involves planning, translating, and reviewing, emphasizing the iterative nature of writing tasks

Furthermore, the digital age has transformed the landscape of writing As Baron (2013) observes, digital communication tools have not only expanded the reach of writing but also its nature This transformation has necessitated skills like digital literacy, understanding audience engagement, and adapting to various formats such as emails, blogs, social media posts, and more

Cultural nuances also play a significant role in shaping writing styles and preferences According to Kachru (1986), different cultures have unique conventions, styles, and expectations when it comes to written communication Understanding these cultural

contexts is crucial for effective cross-cultural communication and writing

In essence, writing is the act of using symbols to communicate thoughts and ideas in a

readable form, employing vocabulary, grammatical structures, and organizational strategies

to effectively convey meaning As such, it remains an ever-evolving skill that requires

continuous learning, practice, and adaptation to meet the demands of diverse audiences and contexts

2.1.2 The importance of writing

Writing plays a pivotal role as most life contexts, including school, the workplace, and the community, demand proficient writing skills Writing entails composing text effectively for diverse purposes, serving as a communication tool and a means for collecting and disseminating detailed information It offers avenues for self-expression and persuasion, proving to be an essential skill both in educational settings and throughout life Whether drafting reports, plans, or strategies at work, or crafting a well-written curriculum vitae or resume free from spelling or grammatical errors, writing proficiency is paramount for securing good opportunities

In the realm of language teaching and learning, writing holds particular significance Graham and Perin (2007:33) posit that “In the school setting, writing plays two distinct but complementary roles First, it is a skill that draws on the use of strateg ies (Such as planning, evaluating, and revising text) to accomplish goals, such as writing a report or expressing an

opinion with the support of evidence Second, it is a means of extending and deepening

students’ knowledge; it acts as a tool for learning subject matter” Swales and Feak

(2004:25) emphasize the importance of genre awareness in academic writing, stating,

“Understanding the conventions of academic writing involves recognizing how different genres have distinct sets of conventions, which writers must learn to use effectively to be successful in academic contexts”

Effective writing encompasses various facets, including understanding the topic, selecting

appropriate vocabulary, employing correct grammar, and organizing ideas logically Writing aids students in enhancing their vocabulary and applying the grammatical

structures taught in class Writers must recall words and decide their content, enabling them

to articulate their thoughts and construct compelling arguments As Leki (2001:42) highlights the recursive nature of the writing process, noting that “Writing is a complex process that involves multiple drafts, revisions, and reflections, requiring writers to constantly revisit and refine their ideas”

Moreover, the global importance of English connects numerous countries across sectors

like business, economics, tourism, and culture With many countries investing in Vietnam,

the demand for proficient writing skills has surged It's widely acknowledged that reputable

companies and corporations prioritize candidates with strong English communication skills Proficiency in English not only secures positions within leading international corporations but also opens doors for career advancement in competitive work environments Crystal (2003:78) affir ms this sentiment, stating, “English has become the dominant language in international business and diplomacy, making it essential for individuals to develop proficient writing skills to succeed in a globalized world”

In light of these insights, students recognize the indispensable role of writing skills in mastering English

2.2 Some factors causing difficulties in writing

Writing is a great way for people to express their thoughts and feelings even when they can't articulate them verbally However, writing can be challenging for students compared

to other language skills Even if they excel in speaking, listening, or reading, writing can

in English, who often struggle with writing essays due to a lack of vocabulary and

grammatical knowledge Additionally, they may find it hard to effectively communicate

their ideas or organize their thoughts These are some of the main reasons why students face difficulties in learning English writing

vocabulary, grammar structure, background knowledge, and idea arrangement By developing these skills, they can enhance their writing abilities and produce high-quality

essays

2.2.1 Vocabulary

Many learners grapple with a limited vocabulary, a challenge exacerbated in the English

language due to its expansive lexicon Understanding and assimilating word meanings can

be a daunting task Hajar's (2015) study underscores this issue, highlighting that insufficient

vocabulary often results in passages that lack appeal In addition, Muncie’s (2002) research

posits that a restricted vocabulary hampers foreign language writers from producing coherent and fluent texts A robust vocabulary serves as a cornerstone for effective writing

Students with a restricted lexicon may find it challenging to convey their ideas with clarity and precision Their sentences might lack depth, resulting in shorter and less informative paragraphs This limitation can significantly undermine the overall quality of their essays

To address this issue, vocabulary enhancement strategies, such as reading extensively, engaging with diverse texts, and using vocabulary learning apps, can be beneficial Nation (2001:112) emphasizes the significance of intentional vocabulary learning, stating that

“Explicit vocabulary teaching can significantly improve learners’ ability to understand and produce language” Thornbury (2002) said, “Without grammar very little can be conveyed, without Vocabulary nothing can be conveyed” Vocabulary is the important aspect of

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writing because it is a basic component of the successful writing It is also an essential part

of language learning Additionally, Laufer and Goldstein (2004:45) highlight the role of vocabulary size in writing proficiency, suggesting that “The size of learners’ vocabularies

is positively correlated with their writing quality” Hence, fostering vocabulary growth is crucial for enhancing writing skills

Besides, the choice of words is very important Choosing the right words is pivotal for effective communication in English As Theodore Dreiser aptly observed, “Words are but

the vague shadows of the volumes we mean Little audible links, they are, chaining together

great inaudible feelings and purposes” Many words in the language might sound or look similar but possess distinct meanings, underscoring the importance of contextually appropriate word selection Utilizing synonyms can mitigate repetition; however, the misuse of a word can alter a sentence's meaning

Moreover, the intricacies of English vocabulary surpass mere word selection Learners grapple with challenges tied to word usage, including discerning suitable language and tone across various contexts Informal language may be apt for casual dialogues but deemed inappropriate in academic or professional milieus In contrast, technical jargon, while indispensable in specific disciplines, might bewilder or estrange readers lacking specialized knowledge

Thus, students must not only adeptly choose words but also employ them fittingly, aligning

with their audience's expectations and genre-specific conventions Overlooking this can engender misunderstandings or obfuscate clarity, compromising the efficacy of their written discourse Consequently, mastering vocabulary intricacies is paramount for students striving to excel as proficient English writers As Nation (2001:25) asserts,

"Vocabulary learning is one of the most important tasks in language learning” This

emphasizes the significance of vocabulary acquisition for effective language use Laufer and Hulstijn (2001:42) state, "Vocabulary knowledge plays a critical role in second

language reading comprehension” This further underscores the importance of a robust

vocabulary base in comprehending and producing written texts.

2.2.2 Grammar

All languages have grammar, and each language has its own grammar Grammar has been

identified in different ways on the linguistic theory Besides vocabulary, grammar structure

is an important element affecting writing skill The purpose of good grammar is to ensure the paper is written correctly William (2005:123) stated, “Grammar is a study of the

structure of the language and describes the way of putting words together to make meaningful sentences.” Grammar is the way a language manipulates and combines words

or bits of words to form longer units of meaning Grammar is very important in writing skill AS Harmer (2001), the grammar of language can be defined as the description of rules through words that can be formed and that can change the meaning; in addition to the possible ways of the construction into sentences Thanks to grammar, learners can express ideas in writing skill Students should pay attention to grammar They should practice with

simple sentences to obtain effective writing skill

2.2.2.1 Tenses

Each tense in English is characterized by its unique structure and usage, delineating specific points in time or states of action Mastery of these tenses is paramount for conveying precise information and maintaining clarity in communication Nevertheless, Vietnamese learners often grapple with these complexities, leading to the creation of grammatically erroneous sentences According to linguist Steven Pinker (1994:120), this struggle with tense

accuracy may stem from differences in linguistic structures between English and

Vietnamese

Moreover, a common pitfall among English learners is the overuse or misapplication of multiple tenses within a single passage, encompassing past, present, and future timelines When verbs continuously shift tense within a sentence, it not only complicates the reader's understanding but also disrupts the flow of communication (Pinker 1994:122) This challenge under scores the importance of mastering tense consistency and employing appropriate temporal markers to enhance clarity and coherence in written expression As noted by language acquisition expert Diane Larsen-Freeman (1986:65), learners must actively engage with various tense forms to develop a nuanced understanding and

application of temporal concepts Larsen-Freeman emphasizes the need for learners to practice using tenses in context, facilitating a deeper comprehension and fluid application

in real-world scenarios

In addition, understanding the cultural and contextual nuances associated with tenses can

also aid learners in their journey towards proficiency As Byram (1997:40) posits,

“Language learning is also cultural learning” This implies that a deeper appreciation of cultural contexts can provide valuable insights into the appropriate use of tenses, enriching learners’ communicative competence

2.2.2.2 Sentence

Diverse sentence structures play a pivotal role in enhancing the clarity and engagement of written communication William Strunk Jr and E.B White (1999:69) aptly note, “Sentence variety is the key to writing that is both clear and engaging When you use only a few familiar sentence structures, your writing will become monotonous and predictable” This insight underscores the importance of incorporating a range of sentence structures to maintain reader interest and comprehension

Nevertheless, many students grapple with the challenge of sentence diversity, often resorting to repetitive and predictable structures This reliance on familiar sentence patterns can stifle creativity and hinder the development of expressive and nuanced writing As noted by Elbow (1998:93), “Variety in sentence structure adds vitality to a piece of writing and helps maintain reader interest”

Moreover, the absence of coherent transitions between sentences can disrupt the flow of ideas and compromise the overall structure of the text According to Silva (1993:117),

“Transitions serve as bridges between sentences and paragraphs, guiding readers through the logic of the argument’ Ineffective transitions can lead to disjointed narratives, causing

confusion and hindering comprehension

In addition to structural challenges, grammatical inaccuracies and inappropriate vocabulary usage can diminish the credibility and impact of the text As Straub (1997:48) asserts,

“Grammar and vocabulary serve as the foundation of effective communication, influencing

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both clarity and persuasiveness” Errors in these areas can undermine the author's authority and detract from the overall quality of the writing

Besides, the construction of convoluted and ambiguous sentences can obscure meaning anc reduce the effectiveness of the message Good writing aims for clarity and precision,

enabling readers to grasp the intended message effortlessly Zinsser (2006:77) emphasizes,

“Clarity is the ultimate goal of all writing, ensuring that ideas are communicated effectively

and efficiently”

In deep, mastering sentence structure and clarity is essential for producing compelling and effective written communication By embracing sentence diversity, maintaining coherence,

and ensuring grammatical accuracy, writers can enhance the clarity, engagement, and

impact of their writing, facilitating better communication and understanding

2.2.3 Background knowledge

According to Bransford, Brown, and Cocking (2000), all learning involves transfer from previous experiences Even initial learning involves transfer that is based on previous experiences and prior knowledge This underscores the vital role of background knowledge

in facilitating comprehension and learning processes In the realm of writing, a strong foundation in background knowledge enables students to contextualize new information,

draw connections between disparate concepts, and engage critically with the content

The significance of background knowledge extends beyond academic writing As Kroll (1993:78) asserts, “Writers with a rich background knowledge not only have a reservoir of information but also an ability to access and manipulate this information in the context of

new writing tasks” This Suggests that background knowledge is not merely about content

retention but also about the ability to apply and adapt this knowledge in diverse writing scenarios

Also, the interplay between background knowledge and language proficiency is intricate

As Cummins (1991) suggests, “Language and content knowledge are interdependent; they

develop concurrently and mutually reinforce each other” This implies that enhancing one's

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background knowledge can concurrently bolster language skills, fostering a more nuanced

and sophisticated writing style

Additionally, the acquisition of background knowledge is a dynamic process influenced by various factors, including socio-cultural experiences and educational opportunities Sweller's Cognitive Load Theory (1988:16) posits that “the acquisition of new knowledge

is facilitated when it can be linked to existing schemas or frameworks in long-term memory” Thus, educators should aim to create learning environments that encourage

students to relate new information to their existing knowledge base, thereby enhancing retention and comprehension

In summary, background knowledge serves as an integral component in the development

of proficient writing skills It empowers students to engage critically with content, articulate complex ideas effectively, and adapt their writing style to diverse contexts As educators and learners alike, recognizing the value of continuous learning and engagement with diverse content areas is paramount in fostering robust background knowledge and enhancing writing capabilities

narrative, ensuring clarity and coherence

The significance of idea arrangement extends beyond mere structure; it directly influences the reader's comprehension and engagement Flower and Hayes (1981:365) assert that

"writers constantly evaluate their texts, monitoring whether what they are writing makes sense” This self-monitoring process involves continually reassessing the relevance and coherence of ideas, ensuring they align with the intended message and purpose of the writing

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