For editors, this result of the study can be useful information related to the use of tiered activities to improve the
writers’ writing skills. For writers, this study can be a reflection of the enrichment of their willingness in learning
English since they enjoy the activities designed for them. Then, they can get good achievement in learning and using English, especially in writing.
For the researcher himself, this study can be used as an experience on how to conduct action research particularly in improving the writing skills and a
development of his knowledge and skills in problem solving process. For other researchers, this result can be one of many research examples to improve English
teaching and learning process so that they can be encouraged in doing similar studies.
CHAPTER II LITERATURE REVIEW
This chapter deals with some theories as the bases of the discussion. The purpose of the chapter is to comprehend the basic principles of the research so
that the problem stated in the previous chapter can be answered. The discussion is presented in three headings. They are related to the literature review, the review
of relevant research studies, and the conceptual framework.
A. Literature Review
1. The Nature of Writing
a. Definitions of Writing
Writing is not a simple linguistic feature since it requires some skills. Writing involves lower-order transcription skills and higher-order composing
skills. It is in line with what Sturm and Koppenhaver 2000 in Westwood 2008: 56 tell about composing for writing. It involves complex thinking with multiple
components which are well-integrated. The components are the topic or theme, choice of words, organization, purpose, audience, clarity, sequence, cohesion, and
transcription. Harmer 2007: 255 also states that writing is a language skill which involves a number of conventions including grammar, vocabulary, letters,
words, and text formation. It is a complex skill that involves multiple processes and abilities Westwood, 2008: 57.
Writing also concerns about communication, action, and social interaction. Pattel and Jain 2008: 125 define writing as linguistic behavior
which is reflected by representing sounds with visual symbols. Sakolik 2003: 88 argues that writing involves a physical and a mental act. The physical act refers to
simply publishing some words or ideas to media which can be online or in print. Then, the mental act is about producing ideas and thinking how to deliver the
ideas by organizing them into a good text. In addition, Hyland 2004: 27 states that writing is not simply a matter of looking for ideas and organizing them into a
good text. However, writing is also social and interactional. It has certain purpose to be delivered to public which means there is an interaction between writers and
readers. To conclude, writing is one of English skills that requires some abilities
such as finding the ideas, transferring them into a good text, and delivering the text to public with certain purpose.
b. Writing Skills
To become a good writer, there are some skills that the participants should master. Proposed by Heaton 1990: 135, there are some skills that they should
posses. They include the language use, mechanical skills, treatment of content, stylistic skills, and judgment skills. Language use deals with the ability to write
correct sentences. Mechanical skills are related to the use of conventions peculiar to the written language. Treatment of content is about how the participant
