The Importance of Written Feedback and Grading in English Composition: A Comparative Study of U.S. and Nepali ESL Practices

This paper investigates the role of written feedback and grading in English composition by comparing U.S. and Nepali ESL practices. In U.S. classrooms, feedback is process-oriented, emphasizing rhetorical awareness, revision, and formative assessment, while grading often incorporates alternatives like contract systems. Nepali ESL instruction, however, remains largely product-oriented, emphasizing grammar, structure, and examination results. Using survey data from 30 students and 10 instructors, the study reveals that Nepali learners value structural guidance, grammatical accuracy, and model essays more than idea-centered feedback, highlighting a gap between global pedagogical ideals and local learner needs. Results also show that grades are seen as strong motivators when paired with constructive commentary. The findings recommend culturally responsive adaptations, such as integrating annotated models, balancing formative and summative assessment, and gradually introducing process-oriented strategies, to enhance ESL writing instruction in Nepal.