Abstract
In English language learning, writing a good essay is a challenging activity as it requires synthesis of material that cannot be done in a very short time. Furthermore, students are required to support their argument with evidence, and this may involve memorizing some key events, or the names of places, etc. Before organising their ideas, knowledge of the subject matter is important as part of the preparation process. Therefore, students usually have difficulties in selecting type of essay in examination. Students spent more time choosing type of essay to be answered as they need to consider their knowledge or content when answering the question. Thus, this study was conducted to identify factors influencing students’ selection for different type of essay. There are four types of essay included in the syllabus which is factual essay, narrative essay, descriptive essay, reflective essay and argumentative essay. Quantitative research design was employed in this study. A total of 70 upper secondary school students from different schools in Pahang, Malaysia were involved as respondents. Data were analysed and presented using frequencies and percentages. The findings showed that the factor that influences them the most in selecting the different type of essay question is their content knowledge. Meanwhile, choices of words (vocabulary) and confidence in their writing skills are the least. In conclusion, the findings showed that there is a need for students to be exposed with more content in writing.
Highlights
In English language learning, writing a good essay is a challenging activity as it requires synthesis of material that cannot be done in a very short time
Knowledge of the subject matter is important as part of the preparation process
The findings showed that the factor that influences them the most in selecting the different type of essay question is their content knowledge
Summary
In English language learning, writing a good essay is a challenging activity as it requires synthesis of material that cannot be done in a very short time. Before organising their ideas, knowledge of the subject matter is important as part of the preparation process. Students usually have difficulties in selecting type of essay in examination. Students spent more time choosing type of essay to be answered as they need to consider their knowledge or content when answering the question. Common issue among Malaysian high school students is that they tend to take too much time choosing type of essay that they can score well. This study is significant as a reference for English teachers in understanding factors that influencing students’ selection of type of essay question during examination and reflects their score for the essay question
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