Investigating Students' Performance of Paraphrasing Techniques at Governmental and Private Sudanese Universities

Abstract

This study aimed at comparing Sudanese students of English as a foreign language (EFL) at governmental and private universities in performance of paraphrasing techniques in order to find the differences between the two groups and the factors behind their paraphrasing techniques problems. One hundred students were chosen randomly from governmental and private universities. The researcher designed a diagnostic test in order to gather the needed data. The researcher used descriptive analytical method by means of comparison and One-Way ANOVA. The obtained results revealed a significant difference between the governmental and private universities students. Private university students did not perform well as governmental university students. The possible reason for this could be the private university students’ insufficient knowledge and practice of paraphrasing strategies. This study recommends adding sufficient research-related courses incorporating paraphrasing to the curriculum, making explicit awareness of the importance of paraphrasing , and providing training and practice in paraphrasing.