The role of clustering as a prewriting strategy in improving EFL students' writing performance : the case of third year literary stream classes at Zeribet el-Oued secondary schools-Biskra

Abstract EN

Prewriting is an important part of the writing process.

However, it is often the neglected stage since most of learners start composing directly without planning what they will write.

In this scope, the present study investigates the role of clustering as a prewriting strategy in improving learners' writing performance.

The aim is to gauge teachers' and students' perceptions of the significance of clustering in enhancing students' outcomes.

To achieve this aim, a questionnaire was administered to 60 third year literary stream students at secondary schools of Zeribet El-Oued, Biskra and a semi-structured interview was conducted with seven teachers of English of the same secondary schools.

The results showed that clustering is very helpful since students gain more vocabulary, generate plenty of ideas and produce well-organized paragraphs.