The most common punctuation errors in EFL students writing.

Abstract

Abstract:The purpose of this research study was to find out the most common punctuation errors made by EFL students in their written compositions. The sample consisted of 40 students and 3 teachers corresponding to fifth and sixth level of the second and third year of baccalaureate of a private high school in Loja city. The data was collected from the students’ written work, the teachers' interview, and the students’ questionnaire. The methods applied in this research study were quantitative and qualitative. The results revealed that the most common punctuation errors are the use of comma, period, colon, and quotations. Moreover, the findings showed that the punctuation errors are caused by the interference of the mother tongue, lack of interest, lack of practice, and incomprehension of punctuation rules. Likewise, the results revealed that the punctuation errors have two major negative effects on writing such as the misinterpretation of ideas and misunderstanding of written message.