Challenges Cambodian Students Face in English Essay Writing: A Literature Review

Saem Oeun; Kimkong Heng

doi:10.37985/jer.v6i2.2476

Authors

Saem Oeun National University of Cheasim Kamchaymear, Kampong Cham
Kimkong Heng Faculty of Education, Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia, Phnom Penh; Cambodian Education Forum, Phnom Penh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37985/jer.v6i2.2476

Keywords:

English Essay Writing, Academic Writing, Cambodian Students, Challenges, Suggestions

Abstract

English essay writing is a key productive skill that plays a critical role in students’ academic achievement, in both national and international examinations. In Cambodia, many students, especially high school students, struggle with the English subject, often resulting in poor performance or failure in national exams. This article aims to discuss the key challenges Cambodian students face in writing English essays and proposes strategies to enhance their performance in essay writing. Based on a review of secondary sources, the article identifies several major challenges, including students’ poor English backgrounds from the lower levels, their lack of understanding of essay organizational structures, their limited English vocabulary, their difficulties with English grammar, and their negative attitudes toward essay writing. The article offers some suggestions to improve students’ performance in English essay writing, focusing on the role of key stakeholder collaboration in supporting students to perform well in essay writing. The article concludes with implications and suggestions for future research to advance our understanding of the ongoing challenges facing Cambodian students and suggestions to improve the situation.

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