An analysis of the differences between male and female writing in the ESL classroom

Abstract

It is already established that there is a difference between "women's language" and "men's language". Research has shown that there is a significant difference in the performance related to language between male and female students in ESL classrooms. However, most of the research conducted so far has mainly focused on the different styles of speaking between males and females. This paper seeks to explore whether there is a difference in writing in English between male and female undergraduates of the University ofKelaniya. A sample of essays, written on the same topic, by 30 male and 30 female undergraduates, randomly chosen from those who follow the course English for Communication-ELTU 13012 at the English Language Unit of the university, will be analysed to investigate if their writing style and content differ according to their gender. The findings of this study will contribute to the development of lesson material and teaching material and allow for lesson planners and teachers to deliver their content in a manner that will be beneficial for both genders.