Investigating the Causes of Errors Made by EFL Learners in Writing Production: Case of 4th Year Pupils at Chikhi Moussa Middle School,Tlemcen

Abstract

Learners make numerous errors in their writing. This study is an investigation of the most common writing errors among learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) and their causes. The aim of this study is to explore the most prominent writing errors committed by fourth year pupils at Chikha Moussa Middle school at Tlemcen. 48 writing samples of pupils were analyzed. In addition, an interview was conducted with 2 middle school teachers of English. Based on the overall results obtained, it was found that most frequent errors were in spelling, tenses, punctuation and French interference. Moreover, the results of this research work showed that the main causes that pushed learners to commit these errors are interlingual and intralingual causes.