Abstract:
The aim of this research was to qualitatively analyse written mock examination essays
from three different disciplines (literature, business management, and biology) in Ve
Senior High School. The scholarship focused on the organisational structure and two
key rhetorical features (the introduction and conclusion) of students' essays, as well as
their interpretation of examination prompts. The research used the theory of English for
Specific Purpose, hence, Swales (1990) move analysis, Hewings (1993) and Horowitz
(1986,1989) move analysis were used to examine the introduction, conclusion and
examination prompts of 50 censused essays. Three heads of departments, six subjectspecific
teachers, and six students were also interviewed. Analysis revealed that while
most students used a five-paragraph essay structure, biology students did not use an
introduction or conclusion due to the structure of their examination prompts. In
addition, literature examinees preferred 2-moves to achieve their communication
purposes, while business management used 3-moves. At the conclusions, both literature
and business management candidates used 2-moves to achieve their communication
purposes. The study contributes to the field of rhetorical analysis in academic writing,
specifically in the context of Ghanaian high schools. It highlights the importance of
incorporating rhetorical analysis in the curriculum of Ghanaian high schools to improve
critical thinking and analytical skills among students, enhancing their writing skills, and
equipping them with the necessary tools to excel academically and professionally. It is
recommended that future researchers should investigate the impact of introductions and
conclusions on the quality of writing in disciplinary groups.
Description:
A Thesis in the Department of English Education,
Faculty of Foreign Languages Education, submitted to the
School of Graduate Studies in partial fulfilment
of the requirements for the award of the degree of
Master of Philosophy
(English Language)
in the University of Education, Winneba
NOVEMBER, 2023