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

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.