An Error Analysis of Expository Essay Writing of English as Second Language (ESL) Undergraduate Learners in Pakistan

Abstract

This study focused on the expository essay writing of undergraduate ESL learners in Pakistan. The study aimed to identify the most common errors made by these students and analyse the reasons behind those. The study used a quantitative method to conduct error analysis. A sample of eight expository essays written by undergraduate second language learners of the selected colleges was analysed, and the errors were identified and categorised. The data analysis identified grammatical, vocabulary, syntax, and organisation errors by second language learners  in expository essays. The sample students also struggled for using the correct verb tense, forming proper sentence structure, and using accurate prepositions. The results of the study provided insights into the areas that needed improvement in learning English as a second language in Pakistan, as well as the strategies to address the identified errors.  Further research may include more areas of grammar.