Problems of Teaching Writing Skill to Beginners in EFL: A Case Study of Sudanese Basic Level Schools Pupils

Abstract

This study is an attempt to investigate the problem of teaching writing skills in Sudanese basic level in the areas such as grammar, vocabulary, punctuation marks, spelling and the syllabus. The study surveyed teacher’s experiences and attitudes and pupils abilities in writing.. The study also examined whether the mother tongue interference affects writing negatively and the quality and adequacy of writing activities in SPINE series. Forty teachers and sixty basic school pupils from Karary locality participated in this study. Four instruments were used for data collection: a questionnaire was conducted for teachers, while two writing tests for the pupils, textbooks analysis and classroom observations were also used in this research. The findings of this study showed pupils were weak in writing English due to the poor and inadequate writing activities provided in the textbooks, in addition to the lack of vocabulary, large classes and that little emphasis was given to the teaching of writing. Moreover, most of teachers are not motivated and do not exert efforts to encourage learners to write good topics. The study recommended that there is a need for further reviewing of the writing activities in SPINE and incorporation of authentic materials particularly material for developing writing skills. Spelling should also be given more emphasis while teaching writing.