EFL STUDENTS' PARAPHRASING STRATEGIES IN WRITING RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Keywords:
EFL Students, Paraphrasing Strategies, Manual Paraphrasing, Digital Paraphrasing, Academic Writing Challenges, Research ProposalsAbstract
This study investigates the paraphrasing strategies and challenges faced by EFL students during research proposal writing, comparing manual and digital methods. Conducted at UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung with 10 participants from the English Education Department, the study used a qualitative descriptive-comparative design through questionnaires and interviews. Findings show that manual paraphrasing challenges include understanding complex texts and maintaining clarity, while digital methods often fail to convey intended meaning and risk plagiarism. Students addressed these issues through strategy use—manual techniques like synonym replacement and practice, and digital methods with tool selection and revision. A combined approach proved most effective, balancing clarity, originality, and efficiency. This study highlights the value of integrating both methods to support academic writing in EFL.
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