Errors Analysis of Mechanics in Writing Made by EFL learners at Tertiary Level

Abstract

In this study the researcher takes the students of semester 5 at the Faculty of Education who study English as a foreign language at the University of Shendi as a sample to carry out this study. The study attempts to investigate and identify the problems facing them in using punctuation and capitalization, and to suggest suitable remedial procedures. A test of punctuating and capitalizing a paragraph was given to 36students who represent the whole class of semester 5 at the faculty of Education. The test results were analyzed by using (SPSS). The results revealed by the test affirm that the students were very weak in using punctuation and capitalization. The majority of them failed to pass the test. Considering the findings of the study, and in order to participate in solving the students‟ weakness in this area, the researcher recommends and suggests the following: 1. Mechanics of writing should be given an equal attention like other aspects of writing skills. 2. Curriculum should include enough courses about mechanics of writing. 3. Mechanics and their activities should be taught as a part of teaching writing and semantics