Investigating Mechanical Writing Problems Among English Language Learners’ at Khartoum State A Case Study of Basic School

Abstract

This study aims to investigate mechanical writing problems of EFL learners at the basic level. The study also investigates the factors behind the common errors that basic students have with mechanical writing. In order to collect the research data, a test was prepared. The results of the test proved that EFL learners had some mechanical writing problems. The test results showed that the cause of mechanical writing problems refer to syllabus itself and ways that are taught were not effective and that the syllabus does not provide enough exercises on Mechanical writing. The study also found that some teachers did not give the ample time for practicing the mechanical writing skills and that teaching activities on mechanical writing were not enough to enable the EFL students to develop their writing skill in spelling, capitalization and punctuation. Finally, this study recommends that the letters s, p, and c should be taught through contexts. It also recommends that the students must be made aware that these letters represent a significant part of their mechanical problems. The EFL learners should be provided with effective syllabuses that cover the problematic areas basic level students have with these letters. EFL Teachers should motivate the students to take part in extensive reading to solve their problems with the letters s, p, and c in English language.