The punctuation errors of the ESL learners in the eastern province, Sri Lanka: issues and remedies

Abstract

This study attempts to investigate the obstacles of General Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary Level (O/L) students of T/Mu/Al-Hilal Central College, Mutur in using the correct punctuation markers in writing. 20 GCE (O/L) students were randomly selected for data collection from the total population of 60 students. This study employs qualitative research methodology applying observation and a test as research instruments to collect the data. The finding shows that most of the participants do not have previous knowledge about punctuation markers except full stop, capitalization, and question marks. Most of them do not have an idea of apostrophe, quotation marks, exclamation marks, ellipsis, and more. They encounter difficulties in identifying and using punctuation markers accurately in writing. This study recommends the following as remedies; teaching punctuation rules using the deductive method, applying interesting punctuation activities and games in the classroom, correcting students' writing strictly focusing on punctuation errors, giving reading practice, and explaining the way the punctuations have been used in writing.