English as a Second Language (ESL) is a process of instruction of English in an English speaking country whose mother tongue is a different language (Rosenthal, 2000, p. 73). Freshman English as Second Language (ESL) Students in the University of Science and Technology have problems in terms of the following: Improper use of verb tenses – 24. 14% ; Improper or lack of use of articles- 13.
79% Improper use of auxiliary verbs – 10. 34%; Lack of use of punctuations -10. 34%; Poor knowledge in spelling -10. 34%; Improper or lack of use of prepositions – 10. 34%; Lack of knowledge in proper capitalizations – 6.90%; Lack or improper use of linking verbs – 3. 45%; Improper use of pronouns – 3. 45%; Improper use of nouns – 3.
45%; and Improper or lack of use of conjunctions – 3. 45% The grammatical errors that were found based on the four instruments that were used and the 10 individuals who participated on the case study.Majority of the participants were studying ESL for seven to nine years and are aged between 18-20 years old. 1. 1 Background of the Problem The process of teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) is an endeavor that has been fully operational.For the last ten years, there has been a significant increase in the number of public and private schools offering English programs (Qiang and Wolff, 2007). As of present, there are 1. 3 billion probable ESL and EFL students all over China, and a universal methodology is currently being implemented in order to cater to such a demand.
However issues regarding the effectivity of the ESL and EFL teaching methods of the Chinese community are being questioned as poor quality of teaching is very evident due to the emergence of the so-called Ching-lish language.Chinglish is a language that resulted as a mixture of Mandarin and English, or English with a Mandarin syntax (Qiang and Wolff, 2007). The problem of poor grasp of the English language, more specifically proper grammar is rooted on various rules, norms and practices in most Chinese. Qiang and Wolff (2007) emphasized that the primary sources of poor quality of ESL instruction came about due to unrealistic goals set forth by the government and other educational institutions.Problems such as attempting to introduce a single prototype in teaching ESL, lacking in specific standard requirements for ESL teachers and the likes are utmost concern.
The interplay of these factors caused the seemingly deteriorating quality of English of ESL Chinese students as has been a source of major criticisms not only in Taiwan but also through out the international community. 1. 2 Significance of the Study The study is significant in order to identify the common errors in grammar of ESL Chinese students located in Taipei, Taiwan.The results of the study could be relevant in order to address the growing concern of deteriorating English grammar skills of ESL Chinese students. More importantly, the result of the data would be useful in order for respective schools, universities and other institutions to focus on such common errors in the course of introducing and teaching English as second language to their students. This could mean tailoring lesson plans, modules, teaching methods and approaches prior to the perceived error of ESL Chinese students.
1. 3 Objectives of the Study The study has one major objective and that is: To identify the common grammar errors of ESL Chinese students in Taipei, Taiwan. Specifically, the research aims to: (1) Know the errors in terms of students’ sentence construction; and (2) Know the errors in terms of the student’s use of the eight parts of speech, verb tenses, and auxiliary verbs.
1. 4 Conclusion ESL is an endeavor that is fully operational all over the Chinese community. ). As of present, there are 1.3 billion probable ESL and EFL students all over China, and a universal methodology is currently being implemented in order to cater to such a demand. The study is significant in order to identify the common errors in grammar of ESL Chinese students located in Taipei, Taiwan.
The results of the study could be relevant in order to address the growing concern of deteriorating English grammar skills of ESL Chinese students. The major objective of the study is to identify the common grammar errors of ESL Chinese students in Taipei, Taiwan.
