A Corpus-Based Analysis Of Lexical Verbs In MUET Argumentative Essays Of Pre-University Students In Malaysia

Abstract

Argumentative writing has been regarded as an essential form of written discourse in Malaysia, specifically in Malaysian University English Test (MUET). However, limited research has been conducted on the MUET argumentative essay writing component for pre-university students. The purpose of this preliminary study is to investigate a compiled representative learner corpus to conduct an analysis of the linguistic features; lexical verbs used in Band 3 and Band 5 argumentative essays produced by students of a pre-university college in Malaysia. Subsequently, the lexical verbs utilized in the respective essays were compared. As a descriptive analysis and corpus-based study, the use of lexical verb forms was examined, reflecting the learners' knowledge of applying this linguistic constituent into their written essays. The method applied in the analysis is a computer-based learner corpus analysis. Results revealed that Band 5 essays contained more '-ing' participle (VVG) form, whereas Band 3 essays revealed the use of more past participle (VVN) form. Surprisingly, both groups avoided the base form of lexical verb (VVO). The pedagogical implications based on the results of the study were proposed and the ideas for future research were discussed.

Characterizing the Language Features and Rhetorical Moves of Argumentative Essays Written by Filipino ESL Senior High School Writers

“…From the foregoing, it could be inferred that the students considered their statements or claims true or factual or at least, they perceive EJK and the things they described as factual. In relation to the study of Kanestion, Singh, Shamsudin, Isam, Kaur and Singh (2016) on Malaysian writing that resulted in the most common use of the -s form of the verb or the present form, the result of the present study needs further investigation for possible comparisons.…”

“…Other studies focused on identity and voice especially among Japanese writers such as the one by Matsuda (2015). Malaysian writing was likewise examined by Kanestion, Singh, Shamsudin, Isam, Kaur and Singh (2016) with the aim of helping pre-university Malaysian students to write. Kanestion, Singh and Shamsudin's (2017) did another study this time to identify a framework for the Malaysian students' writing skill.…”

“…Hajibayova and Jacob (2016) conducted a study that advanced a method to understand abstract ideas on the most familiar groups of concrete nouns in English. Another study worth citing is the study of Kanestion, Singh, Shamsudin, Isam, Kaur and Singh (2016) which investigated lexical verbs in Malaysian writing. Four types of lexical verbs surfaced in the essays -past tense, -'ing' form, past participle and -s form.…”

“…Writing, as a basic skill and a gauge for literacy, has challenged the teachers to facilitate writing among nonnative speakers and writers of English (or Filipino multilinguals). One basic requirement in writing is the argumentative essay that poses several challenges to L2 writers (Kanestion, Singh, Shamsudin, Isam, Kaur & Singh, 2016;Matsuda, 2015Matsuda, , 1998Matsuda, , 1997Imtiaz & Mahmood, 2014;Connor, 2002Connor, , 1984Hyland, 1990). The difficulty in writing could result from "inadequate understanding of how texts are organized" (Hyland, 1990, p. 66).…”