The Unseen Threads: Investigating the Mastery of Transition Signals Among EFL Students in English for Economics Classes
Keywords:
EFL, Proficiency Level, Transition Signals, English for Academic, ESPAbstract
While numerous studies have explored the use of discourse markers in general writing contexts, little attention has been given to their mastery in English for Specific Purposes (ESP), particularly in English for Economics. This study seeks to address this gap by examining students’ proficiency in transition signals across three dimensions: recognition, comprehension, and application. Using a quantitative design, a test instrument was administered to 42 undergraduate students (24 female and 18 male) to measure their performance. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and categorized into four proficiency levels: high, upper-intermediate, intermediate, and low. The results indicate that most students achieved an upper-intermediate level, showing strong recognition of additive and sequential markers. However, difficulties remained in applying transition signals functionally, especially in causal, adversative, and conclusive categories. The study underscores the importance of explicit instruction and scaffolded practice in enhancing students’ proficiency. It also highlights the value of diagnostic assessment in identifying specific weaknesses, thereby offering practical implications for curriculum design and teaching strategies in ESP contexts
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Copyright (c) 2025 Marsika Sepyanda, Wenny Elsara, Noni Febriana (Author)
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