Exploring Academic Writing Needs and Challenges Experienced by ESL Learners: A Literature Review

Abstract

The review paper aims to identify the challenges and academic writing needs faced by the students, specifically in English as a Second Language (ESL) contexts. The paper systematically reviews, analyzes, and summarizes relevant studies, categorizing the identified challenges and demands of students in academic writing. The central finding is that students often struggle with academic writing due to a lack of enthusiasm and insufficient practice in this skill. The paper emphasizes the formal writing style, scholarly voice, and intellectual values inherent in academic writing. The study employs a comprehensive approach, including a thorough review of the literature, an examination of academic papers and these as examples, and a detailed analysis of each paper’s components. The sections include an analysis of the title, an assessment of the abstract, and a description of the introductory section, covering issues, purpose, recommendations, and appendices, along with conclusions. Importantly, the review paper extends its focus beyond the university context, aiming to contribute to graduate students and society by addressing these challenges, which are crucial for enhancing academic writing proficiency and benefiting both students and society.