The Effectiveness of Using Sentence Makers in Improving Writing Performance among Pupils in Lubok Antu Rural Schools

Abstract

ESL writing is a critical problem in Lubok Antu. This study investigated the effectiveness of using Sentence Maker in improving ESL writing among the Year 5 and Year 6 pupils in Lubok Antu rural schools. For this study, quantitative data were required. A number of 22 ESL learners were asked to write an essay as the pre-test. All the 22 essays were carefully rated and pre-test data were obtained. The results revealed the low performance in ESL writing. Then, intervention was introduced in the while-process. Learners were introduced to the Sentence Maker tool to visually aid them to understand sentence pattern more clearly. Post-test was conducted to collect data on the grades after intervention was done. Comparison between the pre-test and the post-test data revealed that Sentence Maker has been a useful tool that aids in improving learners’ ESL writing. The findings of this study may benefit the primary ESL learners particularly those from among the rural schools in Lubok Antu. Educators may also find this tool as beneficial as it is easy to use. In the near future study should include the common errors in ESL writing among the rural ESL learners in the district and their perception in using Sentence Maker to address the errors.