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Improving the Writing Skills of Undergraduate EFL Learners through Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT)

Abstract

The current study investigates the effectiveness of Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) in improving the writing skills of the undergraduate EFL learners at the University of Sahiwal. Writing is recognized as one of the most challenging aspects of English language learning all over the world. The study involved 30 participants from the department of English, who were divided into two groups: the Control group and the Experimental group. The experimental group was assigned to write a task daily by using the TBLT method, while the control group learned through the traditional method. The experiment was conducted over a period of three weeks, and both pre-tests and post-tests of both groups were assessed by two qualified teachers, and then the researcher calculated the average of the scores given to each candidate. The collected data were statistically analyzed, and the results were subsequently interpreted. Findings of the current study reveal a significant difference in post-test mean scores between the Experimental and Control groups (MD = 8.1), indicating TBLT effectively enhanced learners’ writing performance. The results suggest a gain in vocabulary, content organization, and grammar of EFL learners with TBLT. The study concludes that TBLT is an effective pedagogical approach for developing EFL learners’ writing and overall language proficiency at the undergraduate level. Furthermore, it recommends applying TBLT to improve speaking skills and other language areas in the English language. Based on the findings, language learning should be systematically organized, and teachers should create supportive environments for daily tasks.

Keywords

writing skills, , task-based language teaching (TBLT), , undergraduate students, , EFL learners, language learning

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