By Idris Harki
MA Student in Applied Linguistic-TESOL, University of Kurdistan-Hawler.
Kurdish EFL (English as a Foreign Language) students often face significant challenges when transitioning from public high schools to university-level academic writing. University instructors in the Kurdistan Region typically assess students through essays, research projects, and various written assignments. However,many students struggle to meet these expectations due to limited language proficiency, inadequate writing skills, fear of feedback, and low confidence. Academic writing is a complex skill that requires practice, guidance, and critical thinking, abilities that many students find difficult to develop on their own.
These difficulties have serious consequences for higher education in Kurdistan. Students who struggle to write effectively may perform poorly in university courses, reducing their overall academic achievement. They may feel demotivated, anxious, or alienated from academic and research activities. Over time, this weakens their ability to express ideas clearly, engage in academic discussions, and pursue advancedstudies. Ultimately, poor writing skills can limit personal development, career opportunities, and long-term academic success.
One effective way to address these challenges is to encourage students to write regularly and with purpose.Writing helps students organize their thoughts, reflect on experiences, and develop critical thinking.Teachers play a crucial role by offering guidance, motivation, and constructive feedback. A powerful example of this appears in the movie Freedom Writers.
In 1994, at Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach, California, teacher Erin Gruwell worked with agroup of at-risk students divided by gang violence and racial tensions. She encouraged them to share meaningful stories from their own lives. As students opened up about hardship, displacement, violence, and loss, they began to understand one another’s struggles and develop empathy instead of anger. Gradually, the barriers between them dissolved, leading to friendships, mutual support, and a shared sense of purpose.
Inspired by this transformation, the students became known as the “Freedom Writers,” united through trust, understanding, and the power of writing. This example shows how teachers can help students express themselves, build confidence, and strengthen their writing abilities.
By addressing writing challenges, Kurdish EFL students can develop strong academic and personal skills. Regular writing practice combined with consistent teacher support enables students to express ideas clearly, conduct research effectively, and produce high-quality essays and papers. Over time, they become confident writers capable of sharing their thoughts, much like the Freedom Writers. They may eventuallywrite stories, research papers, or even books, building both academic and creative writing skills. Strong writing abilities also enhance critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills essential for university success and future careers.
Academic writing is a vital skill for Kurdish EFL students, and its challenges can significantly influence their educational progress. However, with guidance, encouragement, and structured practice, these challenges can be overcome. Teachers play a central role in inspiring students, offering constructive feedback, anddemonstrating how writing strengthens both thought and self-expression. As illustrated in Freedom Writers, supportive teaching and the power of writing can transform struggling learners into confident authors. Byimproving their writing skills, Kurdish EFL students can achieve academic success, communicate effectively, and contribute meaningfully to society.
