Writing apprehension in ESL

This study investigates writing apprehension in ESL students. It examines students' feelings towards writing and tests procedures to lower apprehension.; A Writing Apprehension Questionnaire is used to determine students' writing apprehension levels and obtain feedback on ESL and native language writing attitudes. A self-report on apprehension reducing exercises surveys the effectiveness of these treatments. Gender and language differences are compared, and results of highly apprehensive students are discussed.; The findings show that (1) highly apprehensive ESL writing students don't avoid advanced composition classes; (2) male ESL writers are more apprehensive than females; (3) ESL writers worry more about form than content; and (4) relaxation exercises reduce writing apprehension.