An Analysis of Writers’ Errors in Producing Descriptive Texts; Intercultural Studies

Abstract

In EFL context, errors analysis is done to illuminate the comprehension to improve learners’ writing processes and products. In grammatical construction, language grammars or structures must reflect the flexibility and conventionality of language usage and language users’ knowledge. This study aimed at identifying errors made by international learners at English studies programs in producing descriptive texts. This study was working in qualitative ways. 13 international learners who took master study of English studies are involved in this study. The sample was taken using purposive random sampling. The gender consisted of 7 females and 6 males. The level of English proficiencies is considered as the same level because the sample was bestowed Indonesian, Brazilian, Malaysian, and South Africa scholarship, in which the international English language testing system was achieved the passing grade. To gain the data, the researcher employed writing tests with asking the sample to describe their home town and families. The data are analyzed using qualitative works, i.e., data condensation, data display, and conclusion. Based on the data analysis, international learners still do some errors in producing descriptive texts. The errors covered omission, addition, selection or mis-formation, and mis-ordering. The errors are caused by misconception and misinterpretation of English. They try to transfer their language knowledge from their native language to their national language, then into target language (English). They have three transferring processes in mind. It is a strong possibility that makes them do some language errors in producing their writing products. Therefore, this study can be concluded that international learners who learn English in foreign countries still do such kinds of errors in producing their writing products.

Investigating Students’ Writing Skills in Generating Descriptive Texts: Experiences Learned from English for Specific Purposes (ESP) Contexts in Privates Universities

“…These findings are particularly noteworthy as they highlight a persistent concern despite the students' exposure to descriptive text writing since junior high school. The root of the problem lies in the intricate nature of writing descriptive text, which necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the schematic structure encompassing orientation, record of events, and reorientation (Erickson, 2022;Hadi & Herlina, 2021). Additionally, students are expected to adeptly incorporate the linguistic features intrinsic to descriptive text, such as specific participants, temporal and spatial circumstances, first-person narration, additive conjunctions, material processes, and past tense utilization (Ariati, 2018;Dari et al, 2022).…”

“…A noteworthy proportion of students face difficulties in mastering grammar and tenses, crucial components of effective writing (Erickson, 2022;Hadi & Herlina, 2021;Ariati, 2018). Such issues encompass the accurate use of grammatical rules and the correct application of tenses in order to convey ideas with precision and clarity.…”

Integrating Content and Language to Teach ESP Writing Online with the Assistance of Google Docs

“…Only two students state that the lecturer's feedback does not help them. The opinion exhibits that the students feel assisted by the feedback provided by the lecturer (Handayani & Amelia, 2021;Wismanto et al, 2022), especially feedback that focuses on grammar and vocabulary (Zaky, 2021;Erickson, 2022).…”

Portrait of Indonesian Vocabolary in Writing Skills: Case Study of Darul Maaref School Foundation, Thailand

“…Writing is a person's activity in pouring what he thinks in the form of writing (Yuniar et al, 2020) Writing is also an expressive and innovative activity that utilizes grammar (Putri, 2023) In addition, writing is also used to communicate indirectly without face-to-face (Najib, 2023) Within the realm of writing, instances of errors, specifically language errors, are prevalent. These errors stem from the use of language that proves challenging for students to comprehend (Erickson, 2022). The inability to grasp the language employed contributes to a cascade of mistakes.…”