The Relationship between Intermediate EFL learners’ Personality Trait Dimensions with Motivation and Their Writing Performance (accuracy, fluency)

Regarding the importance of writing performance in mastering English language and considering writing as the most challenging language learning skill, the present study examined the relationship between personality traits with motivation and written performance in learners. The main purpose of this study was to examine the model fitness of the relationship between the personality traits and writing performance of learners with motivation mediation. To this end, one hundred twenty participants were selected from intermediate EFL (teaching, literature, translation) learners. Data were collected through Big Five Personality Traits questionnaire (John and Srivastava, 1999), Attitude/Motivation Test Battery (AMTB) (Gardner, 2004) and a timed writing Test. The results of the path analysis indicated a relationship between personality trait dimensions with motivation and EFL writing performance. Also extroversion, consciousness, and agreeableness indirectly had a positive and significant effect on writing performance. Learners’ motivation relatively intercedes the relationship between personality traits and writing. Finally, the findings of the study are discussed in relation to effective attitudinal variables and non-cognitive variables of personality traits for educational planners, writing courses teachers, and EFL learners’ motivation in language classrooms.