Lexical and Structural Challenges in Indonesian EFL Learners' Narrative Writing

Stanislaus Guna(1*), Ferdinandus Kande(2), Yustus Sentus Halum(3)


(1) Program Studi Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris, Fakultas Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan, Universitas Katolik Indonesia Santu Paulus Ruteng, Manggarai, Indonesia
(2) Program Studi Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris, Fakultas Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan, Universitas Katolik Indonesia Santu Paulus Ruteng, Manggarai, Indonesia
(3) Program Studi Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris, Fakultas Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan, Universitas Katolik Indonesia Santu Paulus Ruteng, Manggarai, Indonesia
(*) Corresponding Author

Abstract


This study examines the lexical and structural challenges faced by EFL (English as a Foreign Language) students in writing narrative texts in English. The study was conducted at SMA Negeri 1 Poco Ranaka, a high school located in the rural area of East Nusa Tenggara. The method used is qualitative descriptive with analytical techniques based on Jacobs' writing assessment rubric, which covers five aspects: content, organization, vocabulary, grammar, and mechanics. The results showed that errors in the use of vocabulary (44%) and grammar (50%) were the most dominant problems, followed by weaknesses in the organizational aspects and mechanics of writing. These errors reflect the limited lexical and grammatical mastery of students, as well as the negative influence of the mother tongue and the lack of exposure to authentic English use. This research confirms that writing skills should be understood as a complex process of negotiating meaning, not just a technical skill that can be acquired through mere repetition. These findings also emphasize the importance of contextual, adaptive, and needs-based approaches to writing learning, especially in areas with limited access to education

Keywords


Lexicon; Narrative; Pedagogy; Remote; Structure

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.26714/lensa.15.2.2025.280-299

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Lensa: Kajian Kebahasaan, Kesusastraan, dan Budaya (Lensa)
p-ISSN: 2086-6100; e-ISSN: 2503-328X
Published by: Faculty of Educational Science and Humanity,Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarang

 

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