Academic Writing among Saudi University Students: Problems and Solutions

This study aims at investigating the problems of academic writing facing English Language students in College of Education in Zulfi in order to find solutions for these problems. Two tools were adopted, a questionnaire and an experimental task for collecting data. (20) teachers from English language department in College of education at Zulfi responded to the questionnaire. The graduate students in the second semester for this academic year chosen randomly to sit for the task. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) is used for analyzing data. Findings are summarized in these points Students are not able to express themselves through writing, students commit spelling mistakes as well as facing vocabulary and structural difficulties when they write and the existed Academic Writing Curriculum doesnt cover the writing Techniques. Accordingly, the researchers suggested that 1- Writing and reading skills should go together and students should be encouraged to have extensive reading practices to improve their critical thinking.2- There should be a lot of writing practice on the part of students in the shape of assignments and Extensive writing practice to improve their writing techniques.3- Improving students writing skills through using computer.4- Adopting writing syllabus that concentrates on practicing writing rather than teaching about writing.