Evaluating grammer development through longitude error analysis of english major students

الملخص EN

This paper analyzes the errors generated by 179 English major students registered in the second semester 2005 in Al-Azhar University - Gaza in a grammar test comprising 59 questions covering 13 problematic grammatical categories.

The results of the statistical analysis reveal that there is a natural development in the students’ control of the grammatical items tested as the students move to the upper levels.

However, it has been discovered that there is a gap at the third level, where the grammar teachers should review tenses, articles, and comparatives before they get into the contents of the grammar course.

First level students have shown good results on the test due to the efforts they exerted while preparing for the high school general certificate exams.

The analysis has also shown statistically favor of the females.

The paper suggests some recommendations for the improvement of the students’ performance in English grammar.