Investigating the Problems of Using Punctuation Marks at secondary school level

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the problems of using punctuation marks particularly the comma, semi-colon, colon and full-stopin writing encountered bysudanese students at secondary school level. The data were collected through questionnaire and test. The test for the students and questionnaire for teachers.Sample of this study consisted of 30 students and 30 teachers chosen randomly.To analyze the data, the researcher uses the SPSS programme. The researcher uses descriptive analytical method. The findings revealedthat comma, semi-colon and colon are the most difficult for the students to perceive and use.also the results proved that students face difficulties in differentiating between using comma and semi-colon.The study shows that the reasons for the above problems refer to the syllabus itself and ways that are taught are not effective and syllabus doesn’t cover or provide enough exercises on punctuation marks. The study also proved that many teachers don’t give enough attention in teaching punctuation marks in particular the comma, semi-colon, colon and full stop. The study found that activities on punctuation marks are not enough to enable the EFL students to practice these activities in classroom. It also found out that most of the visual-aids are not available for teachers when teaching punctuation marks. Furthermore, it proves that most of teachers do not develop their methods of teaching writing skills due to the lack of training workshops. Finally this study recommends that students should improve their skills and knowledge in punctuation marks specifically Comma, semi-colon, colon and full stop with more practice. It also recommends to strengthening the curriculum, giving them a lot of adaptations and practice to increase their knowledge of punctuation marks. Moreover, teachers should develop themselves because the knowledge becomes available in all media such as internet, satellite and mobile web services.