Investigating Word-formation in English and its Effect on Essay Writing (A Case of Study of 4th Year Students, College of Languages, Sudan University of Science and Technology)

Abstract

This study aims at investigating the effects of English word formation on university students essay writing. The study is set to find out ways that students raise their awareness in using word formation at essay writing. The target group in the study is the fourth year students at language College in Sudan University of Science and Technology. The sample consists of (100) both male and female students for the academic year 2017–2018. This study also aims to identify the using of word formation strategies. A questionnaire for university teachers and test for the students are made for data collection. To achieve the aims of this study and find the answers to the questions of the study, the researcher uses descriptive and analytical method. After analyzing data, the study has come up with a number of findings, some of the most important findings are : the study revealed that the students have no background information about the situation in which some word-formation are used. There is little use of word formation strategies because the students are not aware of, and lack practices in addition to facing difficulties in identifying a meaningful context. Therefore, this phenomenon needs teaching and training the students on word-formation learning strategies to improve their overall language skills. Finally, the researcher recommends that English language attention should be drawn to train students on kinds of word-formation learning strategies, regardless of learners' level.