THE ROLE OF COHESIVE DEVICES IN ENHANCING WRITING PROFICIENCY AMONG ALBANIAN EFL STUDENTS
THE ROLE OF COHESIVE DEVICES IN ENHANCING WRITING PROFICIENCY AMONG ALBANIAN EFL STUDENTS

Summary/Abstract: Cohesive devices play a crucial role in enhancing the clarity, coherence, and overall quality of academic writing. This study investigates the familiarity, usage, and challenges faced by Albanian EFL (English as a Foreign Language) students in employing cohesive devices in their essay writing. Drawing on data from 154 participants enrolled in the Bachelor in English Language program, the research is part of the READ (Research Expertise from the Academic Diaspora) Project, funded by the Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF). The study explores factors such as gender, age, years of English study, and instructional background to assess their impact on cohesive device proficiency. Key findings indicate that while formal instruction significantly influences students’ familiarity with cohesive devices, variables such as gender and age have minimal impact. Additionally, the study highlights that students who think directly in English demonstrate higher proficiency in using cohesive devices compared to those who translate from Albanian. The research also identifies specific conjunctions, such as reformulation markers and synonyms, as particularly challenging for students. These insights underscore the need for targeted instructional strategies that emphasize practice, peer feedback, and effective revision techniques. The findings aim to provide valuable insights for educators, curriculum developers, and policymakers seeking to improve English writing proficiency among Albanian EFL students.

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