Challenges Encountered by Libyan EFL Undergraduate Students in English Research Writing

Abstract

<> This qualitative research paper is to identify the challenges encountered by Libyan EFL Undergraduate students in English research writing. The study adopted document analysis approach to identify and analyze the students' difficulties in writing their research projects. The data were collected through reviewing ten research papers that were done by ten students. The targeted students in this study mainly studied in the English department in faculty of education at Misrata university. They carried out their research projects and submitted them to the department in the past few years. The analysis focused on the use of intext citation, referencing, language used in terms of grammar and vocabulary, building argument and expressing own voice, coherence and organization of ideas. The data that were elicited from the research papers, were interpreted using the thematic analysis approach in which they were classified into four basic themes. The findings showed that the most significant issue that faced students was building argument in their work and analyze it critically. Referencing and citation tends to be problematic to some students as well. Other issues related to coherence, grammar and vocabulary appeared to be the less problematic. One of the main possible solutions that could be suggested to overcome the issue in this particular context is that research methods module is recommended to be taught within two semesters by means of integrating theory and practice.