An Analysis of The Application of IQ-Analytical Writing Guide on ESL Students’ Essay Writing Performance and Interest

Abstract

Vol. Abstract The study investigates the use of IQ-Analytical Writing Guide (IQ-AWG) for writing task developed for ESL tertiary students at MARA University of Technology Malaysia (UiTM). The participants in this study were 60 Part Three Diploma students from UiTM taking an English proficiency course known as ELC231 (Integrated Language Skills III: Writing) from two different randomly selected classes. The experimental group, consisted of 30 students used IQ-AWG for essay writing; whereas, the other 30 students in the control group learned essay writing without it. Two experienced ESL writing instructors were selected to evaluate all participants’ essay marks against CEFR. The students in the experimental group were given Post-instruction Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the quantitative and qualitative measures. The T-Test was used to support the data analysis. The results indicated a better writing performance from the experimental group with the use of IQ-AWG. Moreover, the data obtained from the questionnaire revealed the students’ perceived the use of IQ-AWG help them reduce their writing anxiety as well as increase their interest to write.