Abstract

This study investigates paraphrasing skills among first-year students at Hanoi Open University, addressing a crucial aspect of academic writing in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) contexts. Through a mixed-methods approach, involving a survey of 75 students and faculty interviews, the research reveals significant challenges in paraphrasing proficiency. Key findings include low confidence in paraphrasing abilities (60% lacking confidence), infrequent use in classes (85% never using the skill), and misconceptions about paraphrasing techniques (40% relying on copying). Despite these challenges, 80% of students recognize paraphrasing's importance, and 83% express a desire to improve. Primary obstacles identified are limited vocabulary (45%) and difficulty in sentence restructuring (30%). The study highlights a critical gap between awareness of paraphrasing's importance and practical application skills. Recommendations include integrating regular paraphrasing exercises across courses, implementing targeted vocabulary and sentence restructuring workshops, and developing online resources for self-study. This research contributes to understanding EFL students' paraphrasing challenges and provides practical strategies for enhancing academic writing instruction in Vietnamese higher education contexts.