Use of Discourse Markers in Writing and Answering Essay Questions among Undergraduates in Ondo State University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the students’ level of mastery of discourse markers in writing and answering essay questions. It also determined the likely barriers to effective use of discourse markers and established the different strategies in teaching discourse markers (DMs). This was to promote effective learning of discourse markers and their correct use in writing and answering essay questions. The study adopted the survey research design. The population consisted of all the undergraduate students of Ondo State University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa. An intact sampling technique was employed in selecting all first semester Part 1 students of 2013/2014 academic session comprising 265 students across all the four Departments in the Faculty of Science of the University. An instrument tagged: “GST 101 Examination Question” was developed by the investigator. This consisted of four sections of different items which were used to collect data from the respondents. Two research questions and two hypotheses emanated from the study. Data collected were analysed using frequency count, simple percentage, and ANCOVA. The findings among others, showed that 141(53.2%) of the respondents had low understanding of discourse markers such as: in addition, followed by linkers showing relationship with 137(51.2%). The results further showed that 231(87.2%), representing majority of the respondents were of the view that lack of mastery of the various connectors is a major barrier to effective writing and answering of essay questions. The results also affirmed that there is significant difference in students’ academic performance in using discourse markers in writing and answering essay questions across different Departments (F=11.345) p<0.05). The study concluded that students need to be properly taught to master the various discourse markers for effective writing and answering essay questions. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.17.7.7