Journal of Language Studies
Tikrit University

Students' Perceptions of Difficulties in Academic Writing in English: A Study of Secondary Schools in Duhok City

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Hamza Zeebaree
Saman Saleem Jomaa
Dalia Dayan Najeeb
Areen Islam
Jagar Shukri
Nizheen Shaaban

University of Duhok - College of Languages - English Department

https://doi.org/10.25130/Lang.9.3.P1.21
Abstract
Academic writing in the English language is one of the most difficult challenges EFL students at secondary schools face; however, little research has been conducted on these issues in Duhok city of Iraq. This mixed-methods study investigates the specific difficulties encountered by secondary school students in academic writing and examines educators’ perspectives on these challenges. Data were collected through a questionnaire distributed to 72 students and semi-structured interviews with 23 teachers and analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The quantitative data results showed that translation and limited vocabulary are the main challenges, with 35% of students sometimes translating from their first language (L1) and 28% sometimes experiencing vocabulary difficulties. Tense usage, spelling errors, and the use of simple words instead of more complex ones were also emphasised as primary concerns. While students highlighted translation, limited vocabulary, and tense usage, teachers noted complex words, grammar and spelling errors as greater concerns. Although educators and teachers agree that translation, grammatical rules, sentence structure, and voice usage need improvement, they also observed that students are less likely to make mistakes with capitalisation and passive and active voice usage.

Keywords

Academic writing
challenges
education
English language
students
Crossmark
Journal of Language Studies
Volume 9, Issue 3, Part 1
Summer 2025
Pages 384-406

  • Receive Date 12 July 2025
  • Accept Date 13 August 2025
  • Publish Date 01 September 2025

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