Summarizing as a Strategy to Enhance Grammar and Writing Skills: The Case of First Year LMD Learners at the Algerian University Dr. Tahar Moulay-Saida

Abstract

Writing is a major language skill that should be the concern of teachers and students. Some first-year English language students seem less interested in writing correct sentences and paragraphs because of the lack of grammar and writing practice in the classroom. They mostly encounter grammar use difficulties, which impede their written communication. The research question that arises in this respect is: does summarizing strategy help learners improve their grammar and writing skills? The aim is to raise teachers’ awareness about the importance of summary as a strategy to help learners apply grammar rules correctly when writing. The participants were first-year students from the department of English, Dr. Tahar Mouley University- Saida. To achieve the work, the researcher applied the quantitative and qualitative research methods that resulted in excellent productions. Yet, findings displayed recurrent errors as tense verb agreement, articles misuse, and irregular verb past simple tense, in addition to mechanics and style problems. The purpose was precisely to cure these problems. Nevertheless, students showed interest and found it enjoyable to write summaries, for it offered them the opportunity not only to practice grammar rules but also to produce complete sentences, including mechanics. Subsequently, summarizing a movie, a book, an event, or a discussion could be recommended.