MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING LAC HONG UNIVERSITY LE HUYNH LONG COMMON GRAMMATICAL ERRORS IN SPEAKING SKILLS OF EFL PRE-INTERMEDIATE STUDENTS AT LAC HONG UNIVERSITY MASTER GRADUATION PROJECT IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE MAJOR: ENGLISH LANGUAGE MAJOR CODE: 8220201 INSTRUCTORS 1. PHAM HUU DUC 2. NGUYEN THI BICH HUONG DONG NAI, 2024 TABLE OF CONTENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ………………………………………………………1 ABSTRACT……………………………………………………………………….2 THE RECOGNIZANCE FOR NON-PLAGIARISM……………………………3 INTRODUCTION Background to the study………………………………………………………….…4 Statement of the problem…………………………………………………………….6 Aims of the study……………………………………………………………………7 Research questions …………………………………………………………………7 Significance of the study ……………………………………………………………8 Organization of the study……………………………………………………………8 CHAPTER 1: LITERATURE REVIEW 1.1 Definitions of speaking skills ………………………………………………….1 Definitions of errors and grammatical errors in English speaking skills…….1 Definition of errors……………………………………………………….2 Error and Mistake………………………………………………………….3 Definition of grammatical errors in English speaking skills………………16 1.2 Kinds of common grammatical errors in English speaking skills………….1 Subject-Verb agreement………………………………………………….2 Appropriate article usage………………………………………………….3 Verb-Tense inconsistency…………………………………………………20 1.2 Causes of grammatical errors in English speaking skills………………………23 1.32 CHAPTER 2: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 2.40 CHAPTER 3: FINDINGS & DISCUSSION Research Question 1.1 Pre-test results….2 On-going test results….3 Post-test results….4 Lack of Exposure to English Outside the Classroom………………………….5 Inadequate Instructional Resources.6 Difficulty in Understanding English Grammar Rules.7 Lack of Practice Opportunities…………………………………………….50 Summary of the main findings ……………………………………….52 Suggestion for future research ……………………………………………………53 REFERENCES APPENDIX A APPENDIX B APPENDIX C APPENDIX D APPENDIX E Acknowledgements I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the individuals and institutions whose support and contributions have been instrumental in the completion of this research. First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt thanks to both of my primary advisors, Assoc.
Pham Huu Duc and Dr. Nguyen Thi Bich Huong, for the unwavering guidance, invaluable insights, and continuous encouragement throughout the entire research process. My advisors’expertise and commitment have significantly enriched the quality of this work. Special thanks are also due to Lac Hong University for providing access to state-of- the-art facilities and resources that played a crucial role in the execution of this research study.
To my friends and colleagues who provided unwavering support and engaging discussions, I extend my heartfelt appreciation. Your camaraderie made the research journey more enriching. In conclusion, this research stands as a testatment to the collective efforts of the aforementioned individuals and institutions. Their contributions have left an indelible mark on this work, and for that, I am truly grateful.
Le Huynh Long Dong Nai, July, 2024 1 Abstract This research study makes a substantial contribution to the field of EFL teaching and learning by tackling a critical issue in the language proficiency of pre-intermediate students majoring in English language at Lac Hong University. By pinpointing the most prevalent grammatical errors in speaking skills, the study offers educators a clear framework for providing targeted feedback and implementing effective corrective measures. Employing quantitative research methods enables a deeper understanding of students' attitudes towards their language learning experiences, thereby informing more strategic teaching approaches. The study identifies subject- verb agreement, tens misuse, word order, appropriate article usage and prepositions as the primary grammatical challenges among pre-intermediate EFL students, aligning with existing research findings.
This underscores the importance for instructors to prioritize these areas in their lessons and devise specific activities to address these persistent errors. Moreover, the study delves into the underlying reasons behind these grammatical inaccuracies in the speaking skills of EFL pre-intermediate students at Lac Hong University. Overall, this research study holds significant implications for identifying common grammatical errors in English speaking skills among EFL pre-intermediate students at Lac Hong University. It provides valuable insights and practical recommendations for both instructors and students to enhance their oral communication proficiency in English.
Keywords: speaking English skills, pre-intermediate EFL learners, Lac Hong University, speaking fluency. 2 THE RECOGNIZANCE FOR NON-PLAGIARISM I, Le Huynh Long, certify that the research paper titled “ The Common Grammatical Errors in Speaking Skills of EFL Pre-Intermediate Students at Lac Hong University ” is an original work conducted by me. This paper does not include any material that has been previously published or written by another individual, except where proper acknowledgment has been made. All sources of information and data utilized in this research have been accurately cited.
This paper has not been submitted for any other course, degree, or examination at any other institution. I am aware of the consequences of plagiarism and the academic policies that govern it, including the possibility of disciplinary action. By signing this document, I affirm that this paper is my own work and that I have followed all principles of academic integrity. Dong Nai, July, 2024 Author Le Huynh Long 3 INTRODUCTION I.
Background to The Study English, widely recognized as the global language, holds significant importance in the education system of Vietnam across various levels, ranging from junior to academic. Among the four essential language skills - speaking, listening, writing, and reading, English speaking skills are considered crucial due to the necessity for learners to effectively communicate in the language (Ur, 1996). Moreover, the primary objective of English language learning and teaching is to equip learners with the ability to communicate accurately and proficiently in English (Davies & Pearse, 2000). However, many English learners struggle to achieve fluency and accuracy in their spoken communication due to insufficient knowledge of the language.
The importance of possessing proficient speaking skills in English as a means to establish a successful career has been widely acknowledged and supported by empirical studies (Ahmad, 2008; Hamid, 2012; Hamid, Jahan, & Islam, 2013; Leitner, Hashim, & Wolf, 2016; Rahman & Pandian, 2018). Effective verbal communication is considered an indispensable and fundamental aptitude that necessitates continuous refinement in daily interactions. Achieving fluency in spoken English language proficiency is generally stratified into three levels: elementary, intermediate, and advanced. However, learners often encounter considerable challenges in attaining these levels if they employ inappropriate or ineffective pedagogical methods for enhancing their English speaking abilities (Ngoc & Dung, 2020).
In their respective works, Louma (2004) and Cameron (2001) both highlight the significance of speaking as a fundamental aspect of interpersonal communication. According to these experts, speaking serves as a crucial language ability that enables individuals to convey their thoughts and meanings effectively. Loubazid (2012) further emphasizes that speaking plays a pivotal role in the development and enhancement of other language skills, such as grammar and vocabulary. This assertion is grounded in the understanding that language proficiency is interconnected, and the mastery of one skill can positively impact others.
However, challenges may arise in the development of speaking abilities due to limitations in 4 grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary. In Vietnam, the role of English as a foreign language is experiencing a pronounced ascension, spurred by the imperatives of modernization and the demands of global integration. Embedded within the fabric of general education, English has ascended to the echelons of foundational subjects, asserting its significance alongside mathematics and science. This elevation underscores the pivotal role English proficiency plays not only in academic success but also in shaping the trajectories of future career opportunities.
The imperative to excel in English permeates educational institutions at all tiers, from primary schools to tertiary education. In response to the burgeoning importance of English proficiency, concerted efforts have been marshaled to bolster the quality of English language education across the nation. Fundamental to this endeavor is the recalibration of educational curricula, imbuing them with pedagogical approaches attuned to the evolving exigencies of language acquisition. Concurrently, teachers are afforded opportunities for professional development through workshops and training sessions, aimed at equipping them with the requisite expertise to navigate the intricacies of English language instruction in an ever-evolving educational landscape.
Moreover, students are being immersed in innovative educational paradigms, leveraging technology and interactive learning modalities to engender deeper engagement and enhanced language acquisition outcomes. Central to the discourse surrounding English language acquisition is the primacy of speaking proficiency, as articulated by Ur (1996). Within the constellation of language skills, encompassing listening, speaking, reading, and writing, speaking emerges as the quintessential marker of communicative competence. Yet, the journey towards spoken English proficiency is fraught with a litany of challenges, as elucidated by Sato (2003).
Learners grapple with a pervasive fear of error, lexical constraints, and the psychological burden of conversational apprehension. Moreover, Ur (1996) underscores the multifaceted impediments encountered by ESL and EFL speakers, ranging from inhibitions and limited participation to the pervasive influence of the mother tongue. Rababah (2005) delves deeper into the intricate web of factors shaping EFL learners' speaking proficiency, attributing speaking difficulties to internal constraints such as lexical deficiencies, strategic inadequacies, and 5 motivational disparities. Moreover, the absence of a conducive language environment and limited discourse opportunities compound the challenges faced by learners.
Littlewoods (1981) further accentuates the pivotal role of pedagogical practices in shaping learners' linguistic trajectories, emphasizing the deleterious impact of teachers reverting to their native language in the classroom, thereby impeding students' exposure to and immersion in the target language. Shumin (2002) underscores the insufficiency of a mere focus on grammar and semantics in foreign language acquisition, highlighting the multifaceted nature of becoming proficient in speaking a foreign language. It becomes evident that developing fluency in spoken English entails not only a comprehensive focus on various language skills, including writing, listening, and reading, but also an optimal learning environment that fosters effective verbal communication. Specifically, university students exhibit deficiencies in their capacity to employ English language effectively.
A significant majority of English language learners confront significant obstacles in developing speaking proficiency, often characterized by a lack of confidence when communicating in English (Zhang, 2019). These learners are frequently burdened with apprehensions regarding grammatical accuracy, inadequate lexical resources, and challenges related to pronunciation. Scholars such as Dash (2012) and Floriasti (2013) have highlighted various factors that contribute to the hurdles faced by learners in achieving fluency in spoken English, ranging from limited linguistic knowledge and a lack of learning drive to individual personality traits. Consequently, expressing ideas in a clear and comprehensible manner becomes increasingly arduous for learners, ultimately leading to diminished motivation and enthusiasm for continued language learning endeavors.
Statement of the problem In order to thoroughly investigate the widespread grammatical errors evident in the speaking abilities of EFL Pre-Intermediate students majoring in English language at Lac Hong University, it is imperative to adopt a holistic approach. Various methods and strategies such as role-playing, task-based language teaching, graphic organizers, music, and storytelling are employed to enrich overall speaking proficiency. 6 However, this study specifically emphasizes the identification and analysis of common grammatical inaccuracies. The primary goal extends beyond merely enumerating these errors; it aims to foster both fluency and precision in spoken English communication among the EFL students majoring in English language at Lac Hong University.
This research endeavors to empower students by addressing these linguistic challenges comprehensively, thereby enhancing their capability to communicate effectively and accurately in English across diverse contexts. Aims of The Study The study aims to: 1. To investigate common grammatical errors in speaking skills which EFL Pre-intermediate students majoring in English language at Lac Hong University easily encounter during their speaking skills improvement. To sort out the causes behind these grammatical mistakes made by EFL Pre-intermediate students majoring in English language at Lac Hong University in their improvement of English speaking skills.
Research Questions To fulfill the purpose of the study, the survey was seeking to answer the following research questions: 1. What are the most common types of grammatical errors observed in spoken communication? 2. What are the causes of these grammatical errors in the spoken English? 7 V. Significance of The Study In this day and age, effective English communication is vital across various fields like academia, business, and diplomacy.
However, mastering English grammar poses challenges for many non-native speakers, leading to widespread errors in spoken communication. This study aims to uncover common grammatical errors encountered by English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners in speaking skills. By pinpointing these errors, both educators and learners can gain valuable insights into areas needing focused instruction. Understanding the underlying causes and patterns of these errors can guide the development of more effective teaching methods and materials tailored to address specific linguistic difficulties.