Analyzing Learners’ Errors in Punctuation

Abstract

This study aims to analyze learners’ errors in using punctuation in writing. As known,good punctuation is essential in clear and effective writing especially in academic writing. However, there are some learners who face difficulties when punctuating. The present research attempts to analyze the different punctuation errors committed by second year (EFL) learners at Jijel University. To make this research more credible, we made use of Error Analysis (EA); the basic theory applied in the analysis of writing. The study examined punctuation errors in a corpus of (79) essays of the participants.In this study, it has been hypothesized that if learners’ errors in punctuation are well identified, their writing skill will greatly improve. The findings of this study revealed that ‘punctuation’ is a daunting task faced by second year learners of English at Jijel University while writing.