AN ANALYSIS OF RESEARCH WRITING SKILLS: PERSPECTIVES FROM MA THESIS AND GRADUATION PAPER SUPERVISORS

Abstract

This study aims to unpack shortcomings in research writing skills delivered by English majors who are final-year students and graduates. The conceptual framework of this study is Bowen’s (2009) method of analysing documents. The data include papers selected through skimming, reading and interpretation. Major instruments adopted in the study were document analysis and in-depth interviews with supervisors and students. Content analysis and thematic analysis were employed. The findings show that students lack the skills of writing an academic paragraph and methodology section. Other typical shortcomings include: organisation, grammar, vocabulary and writing style.