سپیده سادات شاه احمدی

This study aimed to investigate the impact of Dialogue Journals (DJs) on EFL learners' paragraph writing skills, focusing on principles of paragraph writing, comparison and contrast, across synchronous and asynchronous online communication. Following the Oxford Placement Test (OPT), 40 homogenized participants were selected and divided into two groups. Participants, aged 13 to 18, attended classes twice a week for 90 minutes each. Pre-test and post-test paragraph writing assessments were administered and scored analytically using a rubric by Soleimani et al. (2008). Both groups followed Peyton's (2000) suggestions for DJ writing, with experimental group one using face-to-face instruction (synchronous online communication) and experimental group two utilizing the WhatsApp application (asynchronous online communication) over a 6-session study period. Results indicated significant improvements in paragraph writing skills for both synchronous and asynchronous groups, with no significant difference between the two modes of communication. This research can provide various advantages for all language teaching and learning participants. In addition, the students can benefit from the results as they face problems in various stages of writing, including preparation, drafting, editing, and final revision.