Indonesian Journal of Learning and Instruction
Vol. 8 No. 1 (2025)

SUMMARY OR SYNTHESIS? A QUALITATIVE INVESTIGATION OF EFL STUDENTS’ MISUNDERSTANDINGS IN ACADEMIC WRITING

Diva Zahra Anindya (English Education Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Kuningan, Indonesia)
Fahrus Zaman Fadhly (English Education Study Program, Faculty of Education and Teacher Training, Universitas Kuningan, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
22 Dec 2025

Abstract

Summary and synthesis are fundamental skills in academic writing. However, many students continue to confuse those two and often treating synthesis as an extended summary. This study investigates EFL students’ misconceptions regarding synthesis and summary, and explores the factors that contribute to their misunderstanding. Using a qualitative research approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten undergraduate stundents form the English Education Study Program at Universitas Kuningan. Thematic analysis of the interview data revealed three major findings that suggest a gap between students’ theoretical understanding and practical application. The study highlights the need for clearer instructional strategies, more structured synthesis exercise, and consistent guidance in academic writing courses.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

IJLI

Publisher

Subject

Education

Description

Indonesian Journal of Learning & Instruction (p-ISSN 2614-8250, e-ISSN 2614-5677) is a peer-reviewed journal published in Indonesia by Faculty of Teacher Training and Education in collaboration with School of Postgraduate Studies, Universitas Kuningan. IJLI is published twice a year (April and ...