Spanish Sec 1999 : a study

Abstract

The aim of this study is an analysis of morphosyntactical, lexical and orthographical errors committed by students of Spanish sitting for Paper IIA and Paper IIB at SEC level. In anlaysing these errors mother language and other languages interference is taken in consideration. The evaluation is based on a sample of 219 candidates, 34 males and 189 females, who sat for Spanish SEC in May 1999. There were 81 candidates who opted for Paper IIA and 138 candidates who opted for Paper IIB. An analysis of the Spanish SEC examination paper format and that of other British examining boards is also included. From the analysis of the language essays, it was concluded that in general students lacked the necessary vocabulary to write the language essay. The predominant language of interference was Italian. Paper TIA students performed better than those of Paper IIB. In general, Paper IIB students committed more morphosyntactical and orthographical errors than those of Paper TIA Finally some suggestions for a better foreign language methodology are given. These can help in the teaching and learning of Spanish, making it more interesting, realistic, and above all, more communicative.