The document summarizes a study that assessed the impact of an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course on the writing of 69 postgraduate students in Iran. The study analyzed student writing samples from the beginning and end of the semester course, which students took concurrently with their degree programs. It found improvements in accuracy, use of academic vocabulary, and structure for both students with IELTS scores of 6.0 and 6.5. The findings suggest the EAP course helped strengthen areas of writing important for academic success.

1. The impact of an EAP course on postgraduate writing
Abstract
This study assessed the impact of completing an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course
on the writing of postgraduate1 learners. We begin this paper by describing a course offered for
credit to postgraduate international students at a university in Guilan, Iran, and then report on a
large-scale study (n = 69) which investigated the improvement (if any) in the writing of
students enrolled in this course. The students undertook the course at the beginning of their
postgraduate studies at the university and concurrently with their degree programs. Two cohorts
were identified: students with an IELTS score on entry to the University of 6.0 (or equivalent)
and those with a score of 6.5. Data for the study were the in-class writing produced by the
students at the beginning and at the end of semester, and a short questionnaire. The students'
texts were analysed using a range of measures for fluency, linguistic accuracy and use of
academic vocabulary. Texts were also analysed for overall structure, cohesion and coherence.
The study found improvements for the entire group and for the two cohorts mainly in terms of
accuracy, use of academic vocabulary, and structure. We discuss these findings in relation to key
pedagogical features of the course.
Keywords: Postgraduate EAP course; Assessing writing ; Feedback