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Mapping IIUM students’ English language writing proficiency to CEFR

Abu Sufi, Mohd. Khairul and Engku Ibrahim, Engku Haliza (2021) Mapping IIUM students’ English language writing proficiency to CEFR. Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 29 (S3). pp. 85-101. ISSN 0128-7702 E-ISSN 2231-8534

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Abstract

The goal of this research was to determine the English language writing skills of the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM) graduating undergraduates based on two linguistic levels; the IIUM English Proficiency Test (EPT) and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), based on two descriptors: IIUM’s EPT descriptor, and CEFR’s ‘General linguistic range’ descriptor (Council of Europe, 2001, p 110).. The EPT results show that the majority (48 %) of the English language writing skills of IIUM undergraduates were in Band 6, while Band 5.5, Band 5 and Band 4 respectively ranked 31.3%, 4.9 % and 0.4 %. On the other hand, Band 8, Band 7 and Band 6.5 were attained by 0.2 %, 2.4 % and 12.2 % of undergraduates. A significant proportion of IIUM undergraduates (46.3 %) were found to be at Level B2 + when assessed against the CEFR scale for ‘Ggeneral linguistic range’, while 2.2 %, 12.4 %, 33.9 and 5.2 % of students were found to be at Level C2, C1, B2, B1 + respectively. The results also showed that a mere 0.2 % was at Level B1. This research also showed that despite some inaccuracies and improper uses, IIUM students are able to write effectively and are able to understand and use reasonably complicated language, particularly in familiar situations. Based on the CEFR scale for ‘Ggeneral linguistic range’, the results of this study show that IIUM graduating undergraduates could clearly articulate themselves in their writing.

Item Type: Article (Journal)
Additional Information: 6205/92895
Uncontrolled Keywords: CEFR; English placement test; writing proficiency; second language
Subjects: P Language and Literature > PE English
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button): Centre for Languages and Pre-University Academic Development (CELPAD)
Centre for Languages and Pre-University Academic Development (CELPAD) > English Language Division
Depositing User: Mohd Khairul Abu SUfi
Date Deposited: 07 Oct 2021 17:02
Last Modified: 14 Feb 2024 08:43
URI: http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/92895

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