Errors in Writing:

Identification of Problems and Need for Refinement

Abstract

With regard to written composition, students often want to focus on grammar when they first seek help with writing. Most have problems with structure and organization. But the study of second/foreign language teaching reveals that making errors is universal and natural. When teachers complain about errors of structure or syntax, they are usually responding to the symptom, not the cause – which is often unclear thinking. Although teachers are familiar with the types and sources of errors usually made by students, the non-availability of proper instruction, emphasis on fluency, and communicative practice rather than on explanation and understanding of grammatical rules result in written work that abounds in errors. This study identifies fifteen types of errors in writing usually made by students. These are categorized under the sources of interlingual and intra lingual errors. Therefore, this paper aims to look not at each and every error in writing, but will attempt to analyze some recurrent and systematic errors which will help students to write socially acceptable and academically correct English in Bangladesh.