AN ANALYSIS OF ERRORS IN THE USAGE OF PUNCTUATION MARKS IN ESSAY WRITING

Abstract

This article aims to 1) Analyze errors in the usage of punctuation marks in students' essay writing, 2) Analyze types of errors in the usage of punctuation marks in students' essay writing, and 3) Find ways to develop English writing skills and punctuation marks for students. The sample consisted of 21 second-year English students from Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University under Royal Patronage. Data were collected from essays written on the topic of "My Goal", and then analyzed for 11 types of punctuation marks. The study found a total of 109 punctuation errors in students' essay. The most common error found in the first rank was the comma, the second was the period/full stop, and the third was the semicolon. Based on the findings, the researcher provided guidelines for improving English skills, especially writing skills, and recommended incorporating content on the influence of the first language on learning a second language and the differences between Thai and English in the early stages of learning English. The reason for this is that Thai and English have different structures, which can cause confusion and unfamiliarity among learners. In addition, teachers should include exercises, provide additional training, and emphasize the teaching of writing mechanisms, of which punctuation marks are an important part. These guidelines may help learners gain more knowledge and understanding about punctuation marks usage and provide more opportunities for writing practice to reduce writing errors or eliminate them entirely, which will lead to clear and correct communication.