Thematic Choice in Argumentative Essays by Vietnamese EFL Learners

Abstract

This study examines thematic choices used in argumentative writings by Vietnamese EFL learners and by American professional writers. To see the similarities and differences in usage of theme markedness, interpersonal and textual themes, 50 essays by Vietnamese EFL university students and 20 essays by native professional writers drawn from New York Times editorials are collected and analyzed. The frequencies of theme types are calculated. To understand how Vietnamese EFL learners use each type of theme, qualitative method is used to examine each essay in detail. The results reveal that there is no difference in using marked and unmarked themes between two groups. Regarding textual and interpersonal themes, however, Vietnamese EFL learners overuse these themes, which makes their writing less convincing and overly colloquial. These problems might be attributed to several factors, including translation from the first language, side effects of second language training and lack of knowledge of how theme operates in organizing information. Some pedagogical implications on guiding how to make thematic choices appropriately in EFL writing course are suggested to help EFL learners improve their writing skill.