The Use of Literary Texts as a Teaching Tool to Enhance Learners’ Writing Skills: Case of 2nd Year EFL Students at Tlemcen University

Abstract

Writing in a foreign language is a complex task mostly for all language learners. Learning to write correctly and coherently is something that EFL learners (at university level) still unable to manage. EFL learners at Tlemcen University face many obstacles when they write an essay and they suffer from the lack of motivation which discourage them from promoting their writing abilities. In addition, they face certain difficulties in communicating their ideas, and expressing themselves in a coherent and an organised manner ; that is to say, they do not use the language appropriately. Thus, this study aims at investigating the importance of the inclusion of literature or literary texts in enhancing English language skills particularly writing skill. Additionally, the purpose of this research work is to acknowledge the merits of literary texts as one of the effective mediums for enriching EFL students’ vocabulary and promoting their writing abilities. In this case study two research instruments were used: a questionnaire for 2nd year EFL students and a structured interview for EFL teachers. The collected data were analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The results revealed that there is a great awareness on the benefits of using literary texts for the sake of developing students’ writing abilities.