In this study, engineering students at UiTM had their levels, types, and causes of writing anxiety evaluated. The participants were 172 diploma engineering students. The Second Language Writing Anxiety Inventory (SLWAI) and Causes and Strategies to Alleviate Writing Anxiety (CSWAS), which were developed by the researcher based on classroom observations and previous research on this issue, revealed a high degree of writing anxiety, with somatic anxiety being its main type, as reflected in a racing heart, dry mouth, sweating, butterfly in the stomach, twitching, and yawning as its main sources. It was concluded that fear of the feedback from teachers, lack of confidence, insufficient subject understanding, weak writing skills, and pressure with time-constraint are responsible for this deficit. It was suggested that the educational system in Malaysia should adopt a less critical and intimidating tone, concentrating on the writing requirements and expectations of ESL students rather than setting lofty objectives and applying pressure for flawless work. This study provides some recommendations for those working in the sector that will help improve the writing abilities of ESL students in Malaysia.
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