Problems of Using Cohesive Devices in Academic Writing among Students at Sudan University of Science and Technology

Abstract

Employing cohesive devices in the academic writing to universities students is the most significant to connect ideas, enhance and develop their academic writing. It has been observed that there is a lack of using cohesive devices in the academic writing. The study assumes that using cohesive devices has a positive effect on students’ academic writing. This study aims at identifying problems of using cohesive devices in academic writing among students at Sudan University of Science and Technology. It also aims at finding out to what extent EFL teachers attempt to help students at universities overcome the problems. The study adopted descriptive analytical method; the data were obtained by using two instruments: the test which was given to (80) students of English language second year Faculty of languages at Sudan University of Science and Technology, and the questionnaire for (104) teachers of English language at some Sudanese universities in Khartoum State. The data were computed and statistically analyzed by using (SPSS) Statistical Package of Social Sciences program. The findings of the study revealed that some participants succeeded in the test whereas many of them failed in it .The students who succeeded in the test they were capable to use and apply cohesive devices in a various ways and high efficient, which confirmed and proved one of the research hypotheses. The findings also have shown that the main problem faced by EFL students in using cohesive devices is the lack of their knowledge with them, as well as the lack of practice. The results also showed that students were incapable to write an essay in a proper and a cohesive form, there were many mistakes in choosing and utilizing the appropriate cohesive devices. On the light of these results, the researcher recommended that teachers should provide students with materials relevant to the academic writing with various types of cohesive devices from varied sources including websites. In addition, teachers should help their students to write more essays and should draw their attention to use cohesive devices in their academic writing with aim of helping them rectify their weakness. The study is ended with suggestions for further studies.