The problem of developing competence in English academic writing at the master's level

Abstract

The article discusses the problems of teaching academic writing in a non-linguistic university and proposes possible ways of solving them. The research analysis on the topic is presented and the urgency of the topic in international academic interaction is highlighted. The results of the survey on the attitude of master’s students to the academic writing tasks are described. The methods of statistical analysis were used to explain and interpret the survey’s results. The survey has displayed a controversial attitude to the writing tasks. The authors stress that one of the reasons for the negative attitude to the writing tasks is that the writing competence is not developed enough as compared to reading, speaking, listening. The students are not aware of the interdependence of all competences and have low motivation for studying academic writing. The teacher’s task is to incorporate academic writing tasks in the course of studies, keeping to the principle of complex competence teaching. Academic writing tasks have to promote students’ autonomy and improve their professional skills. The survey concludes that there is a huge potential for the development of motivation and skills in academic writing.