The Study of Familiarity of Iranian ESP Teachers and ESP Course Learners with Academic Rhetoric within a Systemic Functional Grammar at Graduate Level

Oct 15, 2026

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Publication of research articles in English is difficult for both native and non-native writers. This study examines Iranian ESP teachers’ and ESP course learners’ current familiarity with academic rhetoric using a systemic functional grammar approach at graduate level. Participants included 10 ESP teachers and 85 MA/PhD learners at Ilam State University and Islamic Azad University, Ilam. Data were collected via self-report questionnaires with 22 items; results show teachers’ familiarity with structures is high and learners’ familiarity is also high.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages7

Reading Time18 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Purpose and research context

Academic genre analysis and rhetorical structure

Study aim and theoretical/practical significance

Method and participants

Questionnaire design

Findings and implications

Advances in Language and Literary Studies ISSN: 2203-4714 Vol. 5 No. 5; October 2014 Copyright © Australian International Academic Centre, Australia The Study of Familiarity of Iranian ESP Teachers and ESP Course Learners with Academic Rhetoric within a Systemic Functional Grammar at Graduate Level Tahereh Jafarian Department of English Language Teaching, Islamic Azad University, Ilam Branch, Ilam, Iran Akbar Azizifar (Corresponding Author) Department of English Language Teaching, Islamic Azad University, Ilam Branch, Ilam, Iran Habib Gowhary Department of English Language Teaching, Islamic Azad University, Ilam Branch, Ilam, Iran Ali Jamalinesari Department of English Language and Literature, Islamic Azad University, Ilam Branch, Ilam, Iran Doi:10.7575/aiac.alls.v.5n.5p. 155 URL: [http://dx.doi.org/10.7575/aiac.alls.v.5n.5p.155](http://dx.doi.org/10.7575/aiac.alls.v.5n.5p.155) Received: 15/07/2014 Accepted: 04/08/2014 Abstract Publication of research articles (RAs) in English seems a challenging task for native and non-native writers. The acquisition of rhetorical structure and function grammar can be very helpful for academicians to achieve the wanted goal which is, of course, the publication of their RAs. This study aims to investigate the current level of familiarity to academic rhetoric within a systematic functional grammar among the Iranian ESP teachers and ESP course learners. The participants of the study consist of 10 ESP teachers and 85 learners at M.A and PhD level at Ilam state university and Islamic Azad university ofIlam. Data collected through self-report questionnaires with 22 items. The finding of this study revealed that the familiarity of ESP teachers with structures is too high and learners are high. Keywords: Academic Rhetoric, Systemic Functional Grammar, ESP Teachers, ESP Learners 1. Introduction Writing has become central in today's schools and universities as a measure for academic success. Students work hard to learn how to make more informed decisions about their writing and gain more control over improvement of English writing skill (Jahin, 2012) . Therefore, the acquisition of rhetorical structure and function grammar ( Halliday, 1985) can be very helpful for academicians to achieve the wanted goal which is , of course ,the publication of [their RAs. one](their RAs. one) of the main concerns of the writers is the publication of research articles which can reward their authors and writers high reputation and become a kind of motivation for them to perpetuate the advancement in their vocations(Kanoksilapatham,2007) . These worthwhile issues have urged writers to focus on writing for publication. However as long as writing is regarded to be a culturally bounded phenomenon (Kaplan. 1966) publication of research articles in English seems a challenging task for native and non-native writers. . Therefore, for a long time academic genre analysis has been announced to assist writers to come up with their wishes. The kernel organization of segments of RAscan to a great extent determine their publication (Belcher & Braine, 1995; Swales, 1990; Kelly & Bazerman, 2003) . There are some influential factors in an acceptable organization of academic texts, one of which is the realization of academic conventions. It is generally believed that being aware of principles dominating the standardized structure of academic research articles can lead to successful publication. Acquisition of rhetorical structure and functional grammar can prepare the ground for academicians to achieve goal ofpublication of their papers.(Halliday, 1985) The purpose of this study is to investigate the extent of familiarity of ESP teachers and ESP course students with writing skills, based on CARS model and systemic functional grammar (SFG).Scholars who are non-native speakers (NNS) may receive inadequate training in the skills required to write scientific English, and may even be unaware of the va

FAQs

What does the study investigate about ESP teachers and learners?

It investigates the extent of familiarity of Iranian ESP teachers and ESP course learners with academic rhetoric within a systemic functional grammar at graduate level.

Who participated in the study and where were they from?

The study involved 10 ESP teachers and 85 learners at MA and PhD levels from Ilam State University and Islamic Azad University, Ilam.

How was data collected and what was the key finding?

Data were collected through self-report questionnaires with 22 items. The findings indicate that ESP teachers’ familiarity with structures is too high and learners’ familiarity is high.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Cipher