MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING PHENIKAA UNIVERSITY NGUYEN TUAN ANH GRADUATION PAPER A STUDY ON COMMON MISTAKES IN LEARNING ENGLISH WRITING SKILLS OF THE FOURTH-YEAR ENGLISH MAJORS AT PHENIKAA UNIVERSITY Nghiên Cứu Về Các Lỗi Thường Gặp Trong Kỹ Năng Viết Của Sinh Viên Năm Thứ Tư Chuyên Ngành Ngôn Ngữ Anh Của Trường Đại Học Phenikaa Student: Nguyen Tuan Anh Student ID No: 20010002 Course: 2020 - 2024 Field: English Language Mode of study: Full-time ENGLISH LANGUAGE Supervisor: M.A Phan Thuy Linh Ha Noi – 2024 ii MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING PHENIKAA UNIVERSITY GRADUATION PAPER A STUDY ON COMMON MISTAKES IN LEARNING ENGLISH WRITING SKILLS OF THE FOURTH-YEAR ENGLISH MAJORS AT PHENIKAA UNIVERSITY Nghiên Cứu Về Các Lỗi Thường Gặp Trong Kỹ Năng Viết Của Sinh Viên Năm Thứ Tư Chuyên Ngành Ngôn Ngữ Anh Của Trường Đại Học Phenikaa Student: Nguyen Tuan Anh Student ID No: 20010002 Course: 2020 -2024 Field: English Language Mode of study: Full-time Supervisor: M.A Phan Thuy Linh Ha Noi – 2024 Ha Noi – 2024 iii ABSTRACT The main goal of this research is to pinpoint and examine mistakes made by fourth year students majoring in English at Phenikaa University. The study adopts a mixed methods approach blending qualitative techniques such, as analyzing student written works and conducting interviews. The findings of the research indicate that students frequently mistakes in grammar (for instance misusing pronouns and verb tenses) vocabulary (like utilizing words for the given context) sentence structure (including sentences lacking subjects or predicates) and overall expression (such as a lack of coherence between sentences and paragraphs). Moreover the study also highlights errors concerning writing style and argumentative skills.
To enhance students' writing abilities the study suggests implementing solutions like reinforcing grammar and vocabulary instruction offering feedback on writing tasks and arranging workshops and training sessions focusing on writing skills. These outcomes hold importance in enhancing the English language education quality, at Phenikaa University. iv DECLARATION I, Nguyen Tuan Anh – 20010002, certificate that no part of the above report has been copied or reproduced by me from any other person’s work without acknowledgements and that the report is originally written by me under strict guidance of my supervisor. Hanoi, 30th June, 2024 Supervisor Student M.A Phan Thuy Linh Nguyen Tuan Anh v ACKNOWLEGEMENT Most importantly, after all of my hardworking days to summarize and finalize the thesis, it would seem not perfect without gratitude towards Ms.
Phan Thuy Linh - a remarkable lecturer from Faculty of English then Phenikaa University with supporting expectation. Her careful guidance, good advice and uninterrupted encouragement have enabled me to overcome the difficulties encountered in this study finally. Furthermore, I am highly appreciative of the English Language fourth-year students at Phenikaa University for contributing to my study by conducting this survey. Everything depends upon your cooperation and sharing that you had made it a success.
vi TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION. Rationale for the study. Aims and objectives of the study. Scope of the study.
Significance of the study. Design of the study. 6 CHAPTER 1: LITERATURE REVIEW.Definition of ‘error’ and ‘mistake’ .Definition of writing .Factors of Writing. Common Mistakes of writing.
Factors Affecting Students' Writing Skills. Correcting writing mistakes. Setting of the study .1 Scope Of Research .2 Scope of spatial research .3 Scope of time research. 24 CHAPTER 3: FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION.
Sentence Structure ,Punctuation and Other mistake. Linking and Expression mistake. The differences between this research method and others. Limitation of the study.
Recommendations for future research. 51 viii LIST OF TABLES Number Title of tables Page of tables 3.1 Overview of writing mistakes of 52 writing 39 3.2 Advantages and disadvantages comparing this research method and others studies 43 3.3 Comparision of this research method and others studies 43 ix LIST OF CHARTS Number of Title of chart colunm Page chart Chart 3.1 Spelling mistakes 27 Chart 3.2 Grammar mistakes 29 Chart 3.3 Vocabulary mistakes 32 Chart 3.4 Sentence Structure, Punctuation and Other mistakes 35 Chart 3.5 Linking and Expression mistakes 37 x LIST OF ABBREVIATION List of Full meaning Page Abbreviation L1 First language 2 IELTS International English Language Testing System 4 E.g Example 8 L2 Second language 9 ELLs English Language Learners 14 4th Fourth 43 1st First 43 1 INTRODUCTION 1. Rationale for the study English language majors require their writing skills in the process of learning and using English, which is irreplaceable. Fluency and correct writing in English is not only an important advantage in the academic field, but also imperative for students who have to deal with professional challenges.
But not only, do many grammatical mistakes become a constant bugbear with the students. These issues not only impair the quality of their work but can also hide new venues for correction and self-improvement in a professional context. Because of this, studying frequently experienced mistakes in the writing skills of English language students comes up as an interesting issue. A great many descriptive research studies have found that English majors are always in trouble with our own language-English.
The errors go beyond vocabulary and grammar, but also include sentence patterns, idea development as well as the organization of an essay. This can lead to low confidence and interest to learn English as they not only received poor grades but also were negatively remarked upon by the teachers. Research shows grammatical errors are a common problem while writing in English. These include using the wrong verb tense, preposition when followed by a word, sentence structure not in order and/ or complex syntax mistakes.
These mistakes not only obscure their understanding of the writing, but also create a bad impression on the reader. Students often make mistakes in sentence structure and idea expression due to the aforementioned. Problems that can arise include an inability to write complex sentences, misuse or lack of use of some conjunctions as well as logical connectors, and a failure in writing clearly developed ideas. This can make their writing seem piecemeal, inconsistent and not really worth considering.
To solve these many studies suggested several solutions such as making grammar, vocabulary and writing instruction more comprehensive; utilizing 2 writing support systems or giving students very exhaustive feedback. Nevertheless, a detailed knowledge of the typical mistakes in college students 'informational writing may be very useful to apply Those answers effectively. Hence, the current study examines some common errors made in writing skills by undergraduates majoring in English language. The types of things we are going to investigate are grammatical mistakes, lexical errors; sentence structure faults and the ultimate mistake, which is an error in presenting ideas.
The study allows lecturers and students to get some important valves which contribute to enhancing English teaching-quality (mainly writing). How to hone the writing skills for an English language major? It helps students demonstrate their level of knowledge and understanding in assignments, essays and examinations; however, it also plays a crucial part when assessing the degree that a student has mastered both English level as well. Despite this, a large number of students are writing badly in English especially with accuracy errors of grammar use, vocabulary and sentence structure as well as idea presentation. Though this study is important for students who are learning the English language, it is also essential to professors as well as educators.
The results of the study assist teachers to recognize these common troubles and errors for students, so they can adapt their teaching methods accordingly with proper support materials. This study therefore provides valuable information for educational institutions to evaluate the quality of training and improve English language teaching programs. Aims and objectives of the study The study is used to find out the common error in writing skills of final year English major students at Phenikaa University as well, and its causes. The study also sets out to suggest some ways which could help in enhancing the teaching and learning of English writing competencies for this kind of students.
The most common mistake types in written work by fourth-year English major students at Phenikaa University were targeted. 3 Categorize those mistakes as grammatical, lexicological, syntactic or depending upon letters.Research the source of these errors, such as through first language (L1) influence or gaps in vocabulary and instruction. Consider how these errors affect the quality of writing at a global level. Suggestive approach: Provide teachers and students with some recommendations to enhance English writing skills by moderate these mistakes.
Taking the results of error analysis into account, this research suggests some useful ways to correct errors by giving suitable grammar and vocabulary exercises with basic sentence structure as well as orienting students on how to use writing support tools (Dictionaries, online materials, spell checkers, etc. It also proposes methods for better writing, including pre-writing overviews or drafts of a speech, error correction and modification. Results from the research assist in developing teaching programs and learning resources appropriate to students' needs and abilities. The programs primarily work to rectify common errors and begin building the foundational skills of writing in students.
Research questions This research address three main questions below: 1.What are the most common mistakes in Task 2 writing among final-year English language students, and how severe are they? This question aims to identify and describe the types of mistakes frequently encountered, as well as assess their impact on the overall quality of writing.What are the causes of these mistakes? This question focuses on understanding how linguistic factors (grammar knowledge, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation), personal factors (language proficiency, cognitive abilities, learning motivation, learning style, confidence), and environmental factors (teaching methods, learning materials, instructor support) contribute to students' mistakes in writing.What measures can be implemented to improve writing skills and minimize mistakes for students? 4 This question aims to propose specific and feasible solutions to enhance the quality of teaching and learning writing skills, including changes in teaching methods, the use of assistive technology, provision of suitable learning materials, and increased writing practice. Scope of the study It represents a comprehensive investigation of the writing skills in English inherent to fourth year language majors at Phenikaa University by examining their IELTS Task 2 essays. Submitted by 52 students, these essays provide a scientifically valid and unbiased instrument to assess the many mistakes they make in their writing Such mistakes are not the only aspect that showcases how poor their work can be, this particular investigation ventures to look further into each type of mistake related in grammar and vocabulary and spelling alike. That means each mistake is funneled into the proper leading type in order to be qualified, so we can identify which mistakes are most common and where our attention needs improvement.
Through this integrated approach, a study of such scale seeks to bring out various unique issues followed by the language learners as they move step forward in their writing 5. Significance of the study This study provides some meaningful and practical significance for university English writing in terms of curriculum development, teaching approaches and both teachers' understanding as well as students'. The study seeks, through the accurate identification of those few but common mistakes in English writing and providing a way out to them, contributing significantly to improving the global quality pipelines that are today so much needed as globalization claims for. This information can further be used to assist lecturers in preparing their teaching at the appropriate level of difficulty for students according to what they are able and ing to learn.
Teachers are able to address areas that most students struggle with which allow them to create exercises and activities for their classes enabling all of the Students to overcome these mistakes. 5 This study serves as easy instructions for how students comb their written work looking to correct language, vocabulary and spelling mistakes.