Analysing and Attending to Higher Secondary Students’ Errors in Essay Writing

Abstract

Learning a Second Language (L2) is a lifelong process and it is often a challenging experience for L2 learners. Malaysian ESL students are still weak in English, especially in their writing skills. They still seem to commit errors in all aspects of language. With that in line, this study aimed to identify the problems frequently faced by ESL students in essay writing, create an intervention plan to improve their writing skills and suggest some possible ways to overcome the writing problems faced by Malaysian ESL students. This study employed pre- and post -tests methods in collecting the data. Subject Verb Agreement, Past Tense, Lack of Vocabulary and Sentence Structure were the identified errors. Intervention was planned and conducted for 6 weeks. Students post-test scores showed a great improvement in their writing. By identifying the common errors made by the students, the teachers can be well versed to assist the students to minimalize and overcome their language problems in writing. Therefore, all teachers are suggested to deeply give attention to their students’ errors and practice innovative methods to face these complexities’ in writing classes.