Analysis of Common Errors Made by Second Year English Language Department Students in Writing Academic Paragraph: The Case of Gilgel Beles CTE

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore and analyze the common errors of second year English department students in writing paragraph with reference to Gilgel Beles CTE.  The students wrote paragraphs (about causes of environmental pollution) with the range of 150 to 200 words approximately. They also completed the questionnaires that were adapted from Korbel (2001) regarding their views toward writing skills. The instructors completed the questionnaire and replied for opened–ended question. The study was a survey method using 4-point Likert Scale questionnaire. Systematic sampling technique was implemented to select 10 students in each section from the total population of 196 students. Though the total numbers of the students were 196, only 50 students had responded to the questionnaire. Among 50 sample sizes, only forty-five students completed the questionnaire formally. Two students completed the questionnaire wrongly whereas three students were absent during data gathering. Comprehensive (available) sampling technique was used to select instructors. Among the seven English instructors, six instructors completed the questionnaire formally and returned to the researcher. This study employed a mixed method design which includes both quantitative and qualitative research analysis methods. In general, there were different types of errors; grammatical errors in particular, were made by the students. These were passive voice, verb form, subject-verb agreement, word order, prepositions, articles, plurality and auxiliaries. Especially, words spelling and the lack of sense of sentences/paragraphs/ are the most problems. This incomprehensibility of grammar rules has negative effect on student compositions. After analyzing students’ and teachers’ questionnaire, it has been found out that the students made grammatical errors due to many reasons: the lack of practices daily, lack of motivation, problem of teaching methods, lack of writing activities, teachers escape writing lesson, school text book is not conducive (it focuses more on speaking) and the lack of opportunities to practice writing skills.

Keywords: common errors, writing paragraph

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/10-13-07

Publication date:May 31^st 2019