Investigating Difficulties Encountered by EFL Students in Writing

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating some difficulties encountered by EFL first year students in writing, College of Languages of Sudan University of Science and Technology. A special attention has been given to the use of grammar, punctuation and the cohesion devices in written texts and the role of these units in coining well coherent sentences. The study adopted the descriptive analytical method. To measure the writing ability of students the researcher distributed a test for 30 students to check their ability of using correct grammatical items in different type of sentences, investigating the punctuation errors made by students in writing and the role of cohesive devices in coherent text. In addition to a questionnaire submitted to 20 English language teachers in Khartoum State. After applying the descriptive analytical method the researcher has come up with some findings; that first year student are very poor in using grammatical items in writing with percentage (53.3%). They are also unable to utilize the punctuation marks satisfactory and correctly with percentage (86.7%).The students were not able to use referential devices to create cohesion with percentage (66.7 %). The questionnaire also has come to result that students themselves, University teachers, and University syllabus are behind that weakness. Therefore the researcher recommends some further exposure by students to intensive grammar and writing skills course. Suggestions for further studies are also there.