The use of synonyms by the Grade 12 First Additional Language learner in Malamulele South Circuit to achieve clarity in essays

The use of synonyms by the Grade 12 First Additional Language learner in Malamulele South Circuit to achieve clarity in essays

Mzamani Steven Khosa

Issue: Vol. 7 No. 7 2026 Article 1 pp. 696 – 706
DOI : https://doi.org/10.38159/jelt.2026771 Published online 19th August 2026.

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ABSTRACT

Using synonyms in essay writing tasks is one of the skills that improves clarity and precision. In the educational context, learners are expected to employ an extensive lexical repertoire to enhance clarity in their communication. Thus, this study focused on synonyms as a strategy to enhance communication. The study used a descriptive qualitative method. Data were collected using a document analysis instrument. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. The participants were fifteen (15) Grade 12 First Additional Language learners from one of the schools in the Malamulele South circuit. The results showed that some First Additional Language learners (EFAL) in the Malamulele South Circuit use synonyms in their English essays to improve clarity and understanding of the text. Furthermore, the study revealed that the causes of incorrect synonym usage include overgeneralisation, limited vocabulary, and poor reading habits. The study recommended more targeted instruction on the nuances of word choice and the importance of context in writing. The study contributes to existing knowledge by highlighting the role of synonym use as a specific lexical strategy in improving clarity and precision in essay writing, particularly among EFAL learners.

Keywords: Cohesion, Effective Communication, Exact Synonyms, Near Synonyms, Vocabulary.

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AUTHOR(S)

Dr. Mzamani Steven Khosa is a lecturer, researcher, and academic supervisor at the University of Venda with over 15 years of teaching experience. His research interests include English language education, discourse analysis, academic writing, and multilingualism. He has published extensively and supervises postgraduate research across several areas of applied linguistics.

TO CITE ARTICLE

Khosa, Mzamani Steven. “The use of synonyms by the Grade 12 First Additional Language learner in Malamulele South Circuit to achieve clarity in essays.” Journal of Education and Learning Technology 7, no.7 (2026): 696 – 706. https://doi.org/10.38159/jelt.2026771