English language written competence at sixth form level

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the English language written competence of first year students at sixth form. The sample comprised 90 informants - 40 participants from St. Aloysius College and 50 participants from Junior College. The participating students were all following a course in a science subject at 'Advanced' level at the time of the study. The selected students sat for a 55-item writing test taken from a standardised language test. They were also asked for some biographical data. Ttests were used to check for differences between samples as well as for gender differences. Correlations were worked out in order to explore relationships between performance in the language test and performance in a science subject, as well as the relationship between language use and letter-writing. No significant differences were recorded between the two samples, when the results were compared. However, there was a significant difference in performance between male and female participants. A weak, if significant correlation was recorded between the language use section of the test and letter writing. A close analysis of some samples from the letter-writing section indicated various problems underlying the writing performance of the students scoring within the low competence range.