Problems Students Face in Writing: Grade Ten in Focus at Higher 12 Secondary School
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Date
2011-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The study attempted to investigate the problems in writing in one governmental school found in
Addis Ababa. The study has also identified the difficulty level of writing and the causes of
writing problems. Data ~~Yc~llected from one high school using questionnaire, interview and
tests. The participants of the study were grade ten students and English teachers. The sampled
students, to fill questionnaire and to participate in the test, were selected randomly. Moreover,
the sampled teachers were selected using available sampling to fill the questionnaire and using
purposive sampling to participate in the interview. Accordingly, 187 students and 10 teachers
were involved in the study. Out of the 187 students 164 have returned the questionnaire. In line
with this, the tests were rated by two independent raters. The analysis was carried out using
percentage and descriptive statements. Besides, the questionnaire and tests analysis results are
fleshed by qualitative discussions of the data obtained through the interview responses. The
results of the study indicated that eight glaring writing problems, namely: punctuation and
capitalization problems, unclear writing, weak organization, auxiliary and prepositions errors,
spelling and vocabulary problems. Further, the study revealed that writing is the difficult and
serious for the students understudy. Additionally, it was pointed out that target language factors.
students, teachers, !!Ill"ents related factors and environmental reasons were often causes of writing
problems. It was therefore, recommended that concerned teachers, curriculum designers, parents
and students need to give attention to empower the writing ability. They should value the benefit
of teaching and learning of writing skill by contributing their own part in creating conducive
learning environment to students.
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Problems Students, Face in Writing