Exploring and Enhancing Comprehension of Elliptical Constructions in Students’ Academic Writing: A Case Study

Abstract

This study explores and enhances the comprehension and use of elliptical constructions in academic writing among EFL students at the Modern College of Business and Science (MCBS). Elliptical constructions, linguistic phenomena where certain words or phrases are intentionally omitted to avoid redundancy, present unique challenges in academic writing contexts. The study, involving 50 students and six teachers from three institutions, employs a Quantitative Content Analysis method and a questionnaire based on the Likert scale and open-ended questions. The research aims to enhance students’ comprehension and use of elliptical constructions, with two specific objectives: to assess the level of awareness among students regarding the use of elliptical constructions in their written work, and to formulate strategies to improve students’ comprehension and application of elliptical constructions in academic writing. The findings reveal varying degrees of awareness and usage among students, with those scoring higher demonstrating noticeable competency. However, teachers’ opinions on effective strategies diverged, indicating a need for more focused strategies. The study suggests that effective teaching strategies should consider the diverse methods employed by teachers and emphasize real-world applications, interactive learning, and personalized feedback. This approach is anticipated to enhance students’ understanding and use of elliptical constructions in their academic writing.