Difficulties faced by the ESL Learners in using English passive voice in written communication: a study based on the Students of NAITA, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the difficulties faced by English as a Second Language (ESL)learners of National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA), Trincomalee in using passive voice in written communication. This study focused on passive constructions, written communication, and difficulties faced by the learners in using the passive voice in writing. In this study, 35 ESL learners of NAITA, Trincomalee were selected as a sample population and two quantitative instruments: writing test and questionnaire were used to collect primary data. The findings of the data analysis of the writing test show that several students (82%) had used only active voice in the test although their writing was perfect. Further, the findings of the data analysis of the questionnaire show that most of the students (34%) like grammar but they face difficulties in learning passive voice and in using it in their writing. Lack of training in writing practice is one of the major reasons for finding difficulties in using passive voice in writing. This problem can be overcome when grammar is taught inductively, and more emphasis is given to four skills. Moreover, the ESL curriculum and activities should be designed based on the application of grammar in verbal communication.