ASSESSING STUDENTS’ PARAGRAPH WRITING PROBLEMS AT KOLOBO SECONDARY SCHOOL: GRADE 10 IN FOCUS

Abstract

This study aimed to assess students’ paragraph writing problems at Kolobo Secondary school grade 10 focus. The researcher designed 3 research questions which were set to identify students’ problems in writing a paragraph. A descriptive research design involving both qualitative and quantitative methods was employed. Four EFL teachers were selected through availability sampling whereas 40 students were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. The study employed three data gathering tools: document reviews, questionnaires, and classroom observation. Analyses of written paragraphs were employed to identify the problems students commit in writing a paragraph. The questionnaire was designed to identify the major causes of the problems. Classroom observation was employed to assess the methods teachers use in teaching paragraph writing in the classroom. The data collected through document review, questionnaires, and classroom observation were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. The finding of the study revealed that almost all students have problems identifying parts of the paragraph and writing unified, coherent, and well-organized paragraphs. The major causes of the aforementioned problems were lack of using appropriate vocabulary, lack of using appropriate teaching techniques teachers use, and lack of practice of writing skills due to shortage of time. Therefore, teachers should read supportive materials to improve their ability of teaching writing and then apply them to their students to promote their writing skills.To conclude, all the concerned bodies should do their own best to the best of improving students’ writing skill