Abstract:

This paper describes a computer-assisted research project into writing errors of ESL college students.  Sentences with error types and first language of students are entered in a database and analyzed to discover the most common errors for all students, and the most prevalent patterns within each language group, with the hope of more closely individualizing error identification and instruction. Results of the research into such areas as prepositions, verb agreement, part of speech, articles, verb tense and the use of be are presented.

Author: Vance Stevens