An Evaluation of the Assessment Measure for Novice L2 Learners' English Writing

Abstract

Academic writing poses a consistent challenge in many students' university career. This study conducted a systematic diagnostic assessment to identify specific discourse strengths and weaknesses in first-year undergraduate students' English writing. Our study found that the top three prevalent weaknesses are related to overall discourse awareness, syntactic proficiency, and idea development. Based on the knowledge of students' specific strengths and weaknesses, more targeted remediation prescription can be designed and delivered for maximal support in facilitating first year undergraduate students' development of English writing proficiency in the classroom setting.