Student’s Name: Nguyen Hung Yen

Supervisor’s Name: Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy, M.A.

Course: 2011- 2015

Abstract

The thesis focuses on IUH English-majored sophomores’ perception of and attitude towards the application of formal writing style that is a requirement in not only academic curriculums but also in international English examinations such as IELTS. One hundred English-majored sophomores completed the questionnaires and a mock IELTS Writing Task 2 test which was used as vivid demonstration of their awareness of formal writing style. Interviews were conducted several four teachers who were in charge of the students’ Academic Writing classes. The study found out that most IUH English-majored sophomores held a general view about formal writing style yet they were unfamiliar with it. Most students were acquainted with the need for appropriate and formal word choice whilst maintaining an objective and cautious approach was apparently a bizarre concept. They were completely conscious of the most distinctive benefit of applying formal style which was boosting their writing score. The students were seeking improvements on what they were lacking through formal writing practice. The study implied that handouts containing formal expressions and formally-written authentic materials as straightforward examples would enormously benefit students’ knowledge of formal style. Teachers should encourage the students to examine the formal style as a combination of different factors rather than simply a certain isolated consideration of word choice.