Factors Affecting Writing Proficiency

THE PROBLEMAND ITS SETTING
Background of the Study
Writing is the activity or the skill of making coherent words on paper and composing text (Merriam Webster’s). Writing is very different from speaking because it requires comprehension and full understanding of what has been written. Langan (1987) and Gunning (1998) agreed that writing is difficult because it is more complex and abstract than talk. Writing using the English language, especially if it is an ESL, can be challenging because it requires the writer to have proper grammar, syntax, and punctuation. In addition, Pearsall and Cunningham (1988) and Emmons (2003) advocated that writing is definitely hard work. It is definitely hard work because writing is not just putting words on paper

The basic hypothesis for this research is that since writing is often neglected among the four basic skills it is presumed that normally, students would find it hard and confusing to study and to do because of the many rules and concepts they have to remember.
There are many factors that may affect a student’s proficiency in writing. Some factors may be from the student itself and some from the influence of other people or the environment. If these factors can be identified then it will be easier for both students and teachers to solve the problems of writing. But the factors affecting writing proficiency is difficult but possible to determine because different students mean different factors that affect their writing proficiency. Some factors may be personal and some may be made by outside forces and other people. The specific questions to be answered in this research are:
1. What are the different factors that affect the writing proficiency of Grade 9 Makati Science High School students?
2. What is the most common factor among the students?
3. What can be done to improve the writing proficiency of Grade 9 Makati Science High School students based on the results of the

Selected students from Grades 9 will be the subject of the study.
This study would only determine the factors that affect writing proficiency and will not dwell on other factors that are associated with the other basic skills (reading, listening, and speaking). Moreover, the researcher believes that by focusing on writing, it would help students have better writing outputs and the students would be able to express themselves better through writing.

Definition of Terms
Presented here are terms included in the research paper that readers might be confused with:

Bilingualism. The ability to read, write, and speak in two different languages. (Merriam Webster’s)
ESL (English as a Second Language). English as a Second Language (ESL) is an instructional program for students whose dominant language is not English. The purpose of the program is to increase the English language proficiency of eligible students so they can attain academic standards and achieve success in the classroom.
Factors.One of the elements contributing to a particular result or situation (Merriam