The Quality of Word Choice In The Narrative Compositions of the English Department Students

Abstract

This study was an attempt to answer the questions: Are the
words used in the compositions of Writing I students specific and
appropriate? Are the nouns, adjectives, verbs, and adverbs used in the
compositions under study specific and appropriate? The data source of
the study was the students’ Writing I final test papers of academic years
2006/2007 (15 papers) and 2008/2009 (15 papers). The results are the
words made by the students from both academics are specific and
appropriate in which the score is 3. There are 20 essays scored 3 or in
good quality, 7 essays with excellent score (4), and 3 essays are scored 2
(fair). The nouns used are specific (good score of 3) while the verbs and
the modifiers used are somewhat specific (fair score of 2). All four classwords
are used appropriately in which the score is 4 (excellent). Based on
the results, it is suggested the EESP authorities include vocabulary
section in Writing I syllabus that is treated as equally important as any
other elements of Writing. The Writing I lecturers are expected to teach
the students to master and use specific and appropriate words. The
students themselves are encouraged to enrich their vocabularies by
reading books.

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