Incorporating guided writing to enhance Grade 9 learners'argumentative essay writing skills in the English as a second language (ESL) classroom at a school in Maseru
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Date
2025
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National University of Lesotho
Abstract
The study’s primary objective was to explore how the use of guided writing enhance Grade 9
learners’ argumentative essay writing skills in English as a second language classroom. The
study was guided by the lenses of Socio-Cultural theory by Vygotsky. The research employed
a single group pre and post -test experiment in a mixed methods approach. One school was
conveniently selected which was near the researchers’ location and 12 Grade 9 learners were
selected purposively. Data was collected through tests and focus group discussion.
Quantitative data collected from pre and post-test were analysed by applying descriptive
statistics through the use of SPSS version 27. Qualitative data generated from focus group
discussions with learners were analysed thematically. The pre-test findings after
categorisation with a pre-determined analytical rubric revealed that many learners’ writing
level were at emerging and developing levels. That is, learners’ writing seemed to lack proper
paragraphing, thesis statement and logic. After experimenting with the guided writing, the
post-test results unveiled that learners writing have developed as many learners were on the
proficient and competent level. Also the mean, median and standard deviation of the post- test
were higher than of the pre-test which implied that the experiment was a success. The focus
group discussions discovered that most learners preferred to be scaffolded, collaborating with
their peers through grouping and paring and guidance from their teacher. The study concluded
that the accomplishment of the experiment is influenced by clear instruction and collaborative
learning environment. The study recommends that teachers should offer scaffolding and
gradually release the assistance bit by bit as learners’ progress. Future researchers may
explore how guided writing can enhance other types of essay writing in ESL learners.