Investigation of rhetorical strategies in writing English argumentative essay by Indonesian EFL and Native English students

This investigation explores the intricate challenges faced by learners of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in Indonesia in their quest to master the genre of argumentative text. Employing a comprehensive mixed-methods descriptive methodology that integrates both qualitative and quantitative research paradigms, this scholarly inquiry rigorously examines the difficulties associated with understanding and implementing the structural and textual functions characteristic of argumentative discourse. The empirical foundation of this study is established through an analytical examination of 17 essays authored by native English speakers from the United Kingdom, alongside 119 essays composed by Indonesian EFL students majoring in social sciences at the university level. The findings of this investigation reveal that individuals from both cohorts adhere to specific argumentative structures; however, significant differences are observed in the articulation of key elements such as Thesis, Argumentation, and Conclusion. Further analysis uncovers divergence in textual organization, notably in the utilization of Macro-Theme, Hyper-Theme, and Clause-Theme, as well as in the patterns of thematic progression. This study contributes significant insights into the variances in academic composition across cultures and advocates for innovative pedagogical approaches aimed at enhancing the argumentative writing skills of Indonesian EFL students. These enhancements are potentially important for enabling these students to engage more effectively in academic discourse and international communicative exchanges, thereby facilitating their integration into the global scholarly community.