Exploring the Factors Affecting the Difficulties of 6th Semester English Education Students in Writing Essays at Universitas Perjuangan Tasikmalaya

Abstract

Essay writing is an essential academic skill for English education students. However, many 6th semester students face various difficulties in the essay writing process. This study aims to find out the factors that affect students' difficulties among 6th semester English Education students at Universitas Perjuangan Tasikmalaya in writing essays and how students overcome their difficulties. Using a qualitative with case study approach, data were collected through close-ended questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and document. Participants included 30 6th semester students; 7 males and 23 females. Data collection began with an online questionnaire addressing difficulties in essay writing related to linguistic, psychological, and cognitive problems. To support the questionnaire data, interviews were conducted with two participants to gather further insights into their essay writing difficulties and how students overcome their difficulties, and the last was students’ essay as the document. Data were then analyzed by counting responses, transcribing interviews, and presenting findings descriptively. The study found that despite having taken an English Essay Writing class in semester 3, students still faced significant difficulties in three aspects: linguistic problems, psychological problems, and cognitive problems. To overcome these difficulties, students will practice writing regularly, expand their vocabulary through reading, and increase their motivation in writing essays.

Keywords: Writing difficulties, essay, English education