The challenge of academic writing for Chinese students within ...

translation with learning of grammar and vocabulary, and of pronunciation by imitation and
repetition (IATEFL, 2000). The American system of education was adopted in 1922 and
American missionary schools/colleges boomed. English was widely taught in missionary
schools. Schools were not the only channels for learning English and the mass media
provides a convenient means for learning. By 1922 teaching of English tended to put more
weight on listening and speaking according to the ‗Outlines for School Syllabuses of the New
Teaching System‘ (IATEFL, 2000).
English language education underwent a number of changes in the People‘s Republic of
China. The establishment of the People‘s Republic of China on 1 st October 1949 opened a
new chapter in China‘s history. The first decade of the People‘s Republic saw a close
relationship with the former Soviet Union. Russian was promoted favourably and taught
widely in Chinese secondary schools during the period of the close relationship although
English was also allowed to be taught in schools. Russian methods of teaching were adapted
to ELT emphasizing grammar translation. With the political and economic development
within the country and worsening relations with the former Soviet Union, teaching of English
along with other foreign language was resumed in secondary schools in the late 1950s.
During 1960s English was reinstated as a major foreign language in the secondary school
curriculum and due to the shortage of English teachers many teachers of Russian were
retrained as English teachers. The Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) saw the disruption in
education in general and foreign language learning in particular. It was not until the late
1970s that English began to regain its popularity in China.
The introduction of Deng Xiaoping‘s Open Door Policy (1978) and economic reform
witnessed a growing contact between China and the rest of the world. English, as a medium
of communication for international trade and technological exchanges, played an important
role in China‘s economic development and opening to the world. The increasing demand for
English proficiency has been felt across the country (Wu, 2001). Consequently, there has
been a surge in learning English, because it is the language for facilitating not only China‘s
modernization, but also individual development. A good grasp of English leads to better job
opportunities in foreign trading companies or in the civil service. As a compulsory subject in
university entrance examinations, high scores in the English examination means a better
chance of being accepted into universities. Studying abroad in America, Australia, Britain,
Canada and other English-speaking countries requires a certain level of English proficiency.
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