The impact of Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) on writing among EFL learners’
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Oct 7, 2026
Keywords:
EFL writing, TBLT, writing genres.
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Abstract
Introduction. For teenagers and EFL learners, developing writing skills can be particularly demanding, making the teacher's methodological decisions an important aspect of classroom instruction. Objective. To analyze the impact of task-based language teaching on the development of writing skills among EFL learners. Methodology. This research was conducted within a postpositivist paradigm by using a quasi-experimental design to analyze the impact of an educational intervention in a private educational institution in Quito, Ecuador. The study was conducted with two intact eighth-grade classes; one class was assigned as the Experimental Group (EG) while the other served as the Control Group (CG). Results. The inferential statistical t-test was used to examine the data and compare the means of the experimental and control groups. As a result, the analysis revealed that the application of TBLT had an impact on improving students’ writing at a beginning EFL level in terms of vocabulary, organization, and coherence. Conclusion. The experimental group showed greater improvement in writing after using TBLT. The results indicate that TBLT had a positive impact on students’ writing skills. TBLT can be an effective approach for teaching writing in EFL contexts. Task-based activities can promote meaningful communication, creativity, and collaboration. General Area of Study: Education. Specific area of study: Task-Based Language Teaching. Type of study: Original articles.
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Castellano Uribe, I. J., & Romero Palacios, A. de J. (2026). The impact of Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) on writing among EFL learners’. Explorador Digital, 10(4), 61-75. https://doi.org/10.33262/exploradordigital.v10i4.3779
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References
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Al-Mahrooqi, R., Singh, T. V., & Roscoe, A. (2015). Methodologies for effective writing instruction in EFL and ESL classrooms. Idea Group. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED563973
Anderson, J. (2016). Why practice makes perfect sense: the past, present and future potential of the PPP paradigm in language teacher education. English Language Teaching Education and Development (ELTED), 19 (1), 14-22. https://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/169557/
Aqila, A. P. (2025). TBLT strategies on students’ speaking achievement: an experimental study. JET (Journal of English Teaching), 11(2), 185-197. https://doi.org/10.33541/jet.v11i2.6911
Azmy, K., & Nanda, D. W. (2024). Implementing Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) to enhance students’ speaking, writing and reading skills: is it possible? Jurnal Ilmiah Didaktika Media Ilmiah Pendidikan Dan Pengajaran, 24(2), 176. https://doi.org/10.22373/jid.v24i2.22730
Batubara, M. H., Srikandi, C. N., & Anwar, M. S. (2023). Presentation-practice-production method on the learning outcomes of writing procedure text. Jurnal As-Salam, 7(1), 72–84. https://jurnal-assalam.org/index.php/JAS/article/view/443?utm_source=chatgpt.com
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East, M. (2021). Foundational principles of task-based language teaching. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003039709.
Ellis, R. (2003). Task-based language learning and teaching. OUP Oxford. https://books.google.com.ec/books?id=oJdkAAAAMAAJ
Farhatunnisa, A., & Umam, A. (2020). TBLT in practice: bringing tasks to English classroom in the curriculum 2013. English Journal, 14(1), 16–23. https://doi.org/10.32832/english.v14i1.3785
Gutierrez, X. (2024). Implementation of task-based language teaching in a Spanish language program: instructors’ and students’ perceptions. Language Teaching Research. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/13621688241263945
Hismanoglu, M., & Hismanoglu, S. (2011). Task-based language teaching: what every EFL teacher should do. Procedia, Social and Behavioral Sciences, 15, 46–52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2011.03.049
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Madera Gonzalez, L. E., & López Pinzon, M. M. (2019). The impact of task-Based Language Teaching on learners writing skills. Indonesian EFL Journal, 5(2), 41. https://doi.org/10.25134/ieflj.v5i2.1820
Manyike, T. V., & Lemmer, E. M. (2010). English reading and writing performance of Xitsonga-speaking grade 7 learners in township schools: a case study. Per Linguam, 26(1). https://doi.org/10.5785/26-1-12
Mindiola Rivas, L. V., & Vaca Cárdenas, M. E. (2024). Task-Based Learning to enhance the writing skill of English as a foreign language in tenth-grade students. Revista Científica Sinapsis, 25(2). https://doi.org/10.37117/s.v25i2.1007
Mohammad et al. (2025). Effects of task-based language teaching on creative writing of EFL elementary students. Pakistan Language and Humanities Review (PLHR). https://ojs.plhr.org.pk/journal/article/view/1203
Murad, T. (2024). Task-based language teaching (TBLT) as an alternative method for teaching writing: teachers' perspective. International Journal of Advanced Education and Research, 9(1), 21-27. https://www.studocu.com/in/document/university-of-calcutta/english-honours/tblt-as-an-alternative-method-for-teaching-writing-skills-in-high-school/143708397?sid=717329031788875552
Nguyen, T. M. H., & Luu, T. T. (2018). The effect of task-based language teaching on EFL learners’ writing performance at Tien Giang University. CTU Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development, 54(09), 91-97. https://doi.org/10.22144/ctu.jen.2018.031
Nunan, D. (2004). Task-Based Language Teaching. Cambridge University Press. https://books.google.com.ec/books/about/Task_Based_Language_Teaching.html?id=wBKoWKodDk0C&redir_esc=y
Pallant, J. (2026). SPSS Survival Manual. A step-by-step guide to data analysis using IBM SPSS. Routledge. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781003651147/spss-survival-manual-julie-pallant
Paredes Amoroso, M. F. & Lema Cunduri, H. A. (2026). Implementing Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) to enhance academic writing skills in EFL university students [Tesis de pregrado, Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo]. http://dspace.unach.edu.ec/handle/51000/16863
Pico Quijije, J. A., & Vélez Villavicencio, C. E. (2022). Development of creative writing with students of higher basic general education. Ecuadorian Journal of Educational Research, 2(1). https://journal.espe.edu.ec/ojs/index.php/investigacion-educativa/en/article/view/2792
Pratista, G. Y. (2023). Presentation practice production vs task-based language teaching: a comparison of two teaching templates. Edupedia, 7(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.24269/ed.v7i1.1726
Richards, J. C. & Rodgers, T. S. (2001). Approaches and methods in language teaching. Cambridge University Press. https://books.google.com.ec/books/about/Approaches_and_Methods_in_Language_Teach.html?hl=es&id=9mQ9l3K73BoC&redir_esc=y
Sailema Moyolema, L. V., Campoverde López, J. S., & Bonilla Tenesaca, J. R. (2026). The use of Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) to improve writing skills [Tesis de maestría, Universidad Bolivariana del Ecuador]. https://dspace.ube.edu.ec/items/18901431-ea15-451c-97e5-e685da0e4b34/full
Shintani (2011). Task-based language teaching versus traditional production-based instruction: Do they result in different classroom processes? Research Gate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236032346_Task-based_language_teaching_versus_traditional_production-based_instruction_Do_they_result_in_different_classroom_processes.
Simamora, R., Mahpul, M., & Suka, R. (2018). The implementation of task-based language teaching (tblt) to improve students’ ability to write descriptive text. U-Jet Unila Journal of English Language Teaching, 7(5). https://doi.org/10.23960/ujet.v7i5.201804
Wardana, I. K., Dharmayanti, P. A. P., & Arsana, A. A. P. (2022). ELT lecturers’ communicative language teaching approach in directing students’ emotions in distance learning. Studies in English Language and Education, 9(3), 1071–1092. https://doi.org/10.24815/siele.v9i3.24830
Willis, D., & Willis, J. (2007). Doing task-based teaching. Oxford Handbooks for Language Teachers. Oxford University Press. https://dialnet.unirioja.es/descarga/articulo/8602231.pdf
Zhaochun, S. (2015). A Tentative study on the task-based teaching of writing to English majors in Chinese settings. English Language Teachin, 8(3), 71-79. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1075224.pdf
Ahmed, R. Z., & Bidin, S. J. B. (2016). The effect of task-based language teaching on writing skills of EFL learners in Malaysia. Open Journal of Modern Linguistics, 06(03), 207-218. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojml.2016.63022
Al-Mahrooqi, R., Singh, T. V., & Roscoe, A. (2015). Methodologies for effective writing instruction in EFL and ESL classrooms. Idea Group. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED563973
Anderson, J. (2016). Why practice makes perfect sense: the past, present and future potential of the PPP paradigm in language teacher education. English Language Teaching Education and Development (ELTED), 19 (1), 14-22. https://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/169557/
Aqila, A. P. (2025). TBLT strategies on students’ speaking achievement: an experimental study. JET (Journal of English Teaching), 11(2), 185-197. https://doi.org/10.33541/jet.v11i2.6911
Azmy, K., & Nanda, D. W. (2024). Implementing Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) to enhance students’ speaking, writing and reading skills: is it possible? Jurnal Ilmiah Didaktika Media Ilmiah Pendidikan Dan Pengajaran, 24(2), 176. https://doi.org/10.22373/jid.v24i2.22730
Batubara, M. H., Srikandi, C. N., & Anwar, M. S. (2023). Presentation-practice-production method on the learning outcomes of writing procedure text. Jurnal As-Salam, 7(1), 72–84. https://jurnal-assalam.org/index.php/JAS/article/view/443?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Campos, M. (2022). PPP framework in teaching: presentation, practice and production. EnglishPost.org https://englishpost.org/ppp-method-presentation-practice-production/?
Chen, M., & Zheng, Y. (2022). Book review: the Routledge handbook of second language acquisition and writing. Journal of Writing Research, 14(2), 287-292. https://doi.org/10.17239/jowr-2022.14.02.05
East, M. (2021). Foundational principles of task-based language teaching. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003039709.
Ellis, R. (2003). Task-based language learning and teaching. OUP Oxford. https://books.google.com.ec/books?id=oJdkAAAAMAAJ
Farhatunnisa, A., & Umam, A. (2020). TBLT in practice: bringing tasks to English classroom in the curriculum 2013. English Journal, 14(1), 16–23. https://doi.org/10.32832/english.v14i1.3785
Gutierrez, X. (2024). Implementation of task-based language teaching in a Spanish language program: instructors’ and students’ perceptions. Language Teaching Research. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/13621688241263945
Hismanoglu, M., & Hismanoglu, S. (2011). Task-based language teaching: what every EFL teacher should do. Procedia, Social and Behavioral Sciences, 15, 46–52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2011.03.049
Hyland, K. (2019). Second language writing. Cambridge University Press. https://books.google.com.ec/books?id=6DCdDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA1&hl=es&source=gbs_toc_r&cad=2#v=onepage&q&f=false
Kadel, P. B. (2018). Effectiveness of task-based language teaching in developing writing skills at the secondary level in Nepal [Thesis doctoral, The English and Foreign Languages University]. https://ndr.ndl.gov.np/items/99086258-eed0-43e8-8c27-5100f8afbc59
Kafipour, R., Mahmoudi, E., & Khojasteh, L. (2018). The effect of task-based language teaching on analytic writing in EFL classrooms. Cogent Education, 5(1), 1496627. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186x.2018.1496627
Kaharuddin, Mardiana, Ahmad, D., & Sari, A. A. I. (2022). Examining the skill in writing descriptive text among Indonesian learners of English: the effects of Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT). Journal Of Language Teaching and Research, 13(1), 46-57. https://doi.org/10.17507/jltr.1301.06
Kormos, J. (2023). The role of cognitive factors in second language writing and writing to learn a second language. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 45(3), 622–646. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0272263122000481
Long, M. H. (1985). A role for information processing in second language acquisition. In K. Hyltenstam & M. Pienemann (Eds.), Modelling and assessing second language acquisition (pp. 77–92). Multilingual Matters. https://books.google.com.ec/books?hl=es&lr=&id=8uXBeeVdsKsC&oi=fnd&pg=PA77&dq=long+1985+task+based+learning&ots=G8gvXkbnRJ&sig=CeWWeUPJ0QUIM0UozcaAI4Z8k6w&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=long%201985%20task%20based%20learning&f=false
Madera Gonzalez, L. E., & López Pinzon, M. M. (2019). The impact of task-Based Language Teaching on learners writing skills. Indonesian EFL Journal, 5(2), 41. https://doi.org/10.25134/ieflj.v5i2.1820
Manyike, T. V., & Lemmer, E. M. (2010). English reading and writing performance of Xitsonga-speaking grade 7 learners in township schools: a case study. Per Linguam, 26(1). https://doi.org/10.5785/26-1-12
Mindiola Rivas, L. V., & Vaca Cárdenas, M. E. (2024). Task-Based Learning to enhance the writing skill of English as a foreign language in tenth-grade students. Revista Científica Sinapsis, 25(2). https://doi.org/10.37117/s.v25i2.1007
Mohammad et al. (2025). Effects of task-based language teaching on creative writing of EFL elementary students. Pakistan Language and Humanities Review (PLHR). https://ojs.plhr.org.pk/journal/article/view/1203
Murad, T. (2024). Task-based language teaching (TBLT) as an alternative method for teaching writing: teachers' perspective. International Journal of Advanced Education and Research, 9(1), 21-27. https://www.studocu.com/in/document/university-of-calcutta/english-honours/tblt-as-an-alternative-method-for-teaching-writing-skills-in-high-school/143708397?sid=717329031788875552
Nguyen, T. M. H., & Luu, T. T. (2018). The effect of task-based language teaching on EFL learners’ writing performance at Tien Giang University. CTU Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development, 54(09), 91-97. https://doi.org/10.22144/ctu.jen.2018.031
Nunan, D. (2004). Task-Based Language Teaching. Cambridge University Press. https://books.google.com.ec/books/about/Task_Based_Language_Teaching.html?id=wBKoWKodDk0C&redir_esc=y
Pallant, J. (2026). SPSS Survival Manual. A step-by-step guide to data analysis using IBM SPSS. Routledge. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781003651147/spss-survival-manual-julie-pallant
Paredes Amoroso, M. F. & Lema Cunduri, H. A. (2026). Implementing Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) to enhance academic writing skills in EFL university students [Tesis de pregrado, Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo]. http://dspace.unach.edu.ec/handle/51000/16863
Pico Quijije, J. A., & Vélez Villavicencio, C. E. (2022). Development of creative writing with students of higher basic general education. Ecuadorian Journal of Educational Research, 2(1). https://journal.espe.edu.ec/ojs/index.php/investigacion-educativa/en/article/view/2792
Pratista, G. Y. (2023). Presentation practice production vs task-based language teaching: a comparison of two teaching templates. Edupedia, 7(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.24269/ed.v7i1.1726
Richards, J. C. & Rodgers, T. S. (2001). Approaches and methods in language teaching. Cambridge University Press. https://books.google.com.ec/books/about/Approaches_and_Methods_in_Language_Teach.html?hl=es&id=9mQ9l3K73BoC&redir_esc=y
Sailema Moyolema, L. V., Campoverde López, J. S., & Bonilla Tenesaca, J. R. (2026). The use of Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) to improve writing skills [Tesis de maestría, Universidad Bolivariana del Ecuador]. https://dspace.ube.edu.ec/items/18901431-ea15-451c-97e5-e685da0e4b34/full
Shintani (2011). Task-based language teaching versus traditional production-based instruction: Do they result in different classroom processes? Research Gate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236032346_Task-based_language_teaching_versus_traditional_production-based_instruction_Do_they_result_in_different_classroom_processes.
Simamora, R., Mahpul, M., & Suka, R. (2018). The implementation of task-based language teaching (tblt) to improve students’ ability to write descriptive text. U-Jet Unila Journal of English Language Teaching, 7(5). https://doi.org/10.23960/ujet.v7i5.201804
Wardana, I. K., Dharmayanti, P. A. P., & Arsana, A. A. P. (2022). ELT lecturers’ communicative language teaching approach in directing students’ emotions in distance learning. Studies in English Language and Education, 9(3), 1071–1092. https://doi.org/10.24815/siele.v9i3.24830
Willis, D., & Willis, J. (2007). Doing task-based teaching. Oxford Handbooks for Language Teachers. Oxford University Press. https://dialnet.unirioja.es/descarga/articulo/8602231.pdf
Zhaochun, S. (2015). A Tentative study on the task-based teaching of writing to English majors in Chinese settings. English Language Teachin, 8(3), 71-79. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1075224.pdf