English composition writing in church schools

Abstract

This study looks at English composition writing in four Form Two classes in Church schools. The writer reviews the written work of the students in order to determine the quality of their work. The pupils chosen were of different educational levels since the schools involved in this study have a wide catchment area. From the compositions analysed, the writer carried out an error analysis. The errors identified are systematically considered. A theoretical framework, and review of literature regarding language acquisition in general, the different types of composition, and the use of error analysis, feature in the first part of this dissertation. The core of the study comprises an error analysis of a sample of 140 compositions taken from four different Church schools. Also included in this study, is the data resulting from the questionnaires which were handed out to the English teachers involved in the study. The methodology for teaching compositions writing in the four Church schools is reviewed. The study concludes with a number of practical suggestions.