Quantifying Sentence Variety in English Learners

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15359/ree.24-3.26

Keywords:

Written language, second language instruction, sentence variety, higher education

Abstract

This article studies students’ use of sentence variety in an ESL writing course. The study includes three sentence features: (a) sentence types, (b) sentence combining, and (c) sentence patterns. Although sentence variety is part of the curriculum, the actual use of sentence structures has not been measured so far. By understanding students’ use of sentence structures, it is possible to propose valid curricular changes in the language program. This quantitative project has been carried out by analyzing 36 paragraphs written by students in the first writing course of a B.A. in English. The study included 433 sentences. Each sentence was examined individually. Data shows that 14.54% of the sentences presented a type of error. The types of errors included were the following: 12 fragments (2.77%), 29 fused sentences (6.69%), and 22 comma splices (5.08%). The remaining number of traditional sentences studied was 370 (85.45%). Results demonstrate that students favor certain types of structures and ignore others. Therefore, the demands of the curriculum and the written production of students lack coherence. Consequently, curricular changes must be incorporated to improve students’ written production.

Author Biography

William Charpentier-Jiménez, Universidad de Costa Rica

Works for Universidad de Costa Rica for more than ten years as professor and coordinator of several sections and projects. He holds a Masters degree in Applied Linguistics and a Masters degree in Higher Education Administration. Among his publications are Costa Rican Teachers’ Use of ICTs in the English Language Class and The Use of ICTs in the BA In English Teaching.

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Published

2020-08-21

How to Cite

Quantifying Sentence Variety in English Learners (W. Charpentier-Jiménez , Trans.). (2020). Revista Electrónica Educare, 24(3), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.15359/ree.24-3.26

Issue

Section

Journal Articles (Peer Reviewed Section)

How to Cite

Quantifying Sentence Variety in English Learners (W. Charpentier-Jiménez , Trans.). (2020). Revista Electrónica Educare, 24(3), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.15359/ree.24-3.26

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