Abstract:
This study aimed to assess students’ paragraph writing problems at Kolobo Secondary school
grade 10 focus. The researcher designed 3 research questions which were set to identify
students’ problems in writing a paragraph. A descriptive research design involving both
qualitative and quantitative methods was employed. Four EFL teachers were selected through
availability sampling whereas 40 students were selected using a systematic random sampling
technique. The study employed three data gathering tools: document reviews, questionnaires,
and classroom observation. Analyses of written paragraphs were employed to identify the
problems students commit in writing a paragraph. The questionnaire was designed to identify
the major causes of the problems. Classroom observation was employed to assess the methods
teachers use in teaching paragraph writing in the classroom. The data collected through
document review, questionnaires, and classroom observation were analyzed qualitatively and
quantitatively. The finding of the study revealed that almost all students have problems
identifying parts of the paragraph and writing unified, coherent, and well-organized
paragraphs. The major causes of the aforementioned problems were lack of using appropriate
vocabulary, lack of using appropriate teaching techniques teachers use, and lack of practice of
writing skills due to shortage of time. Therefore, teachers should read supportive materials to
improve their ability of teaching writing and then apply them to their students to promote their
writing skills.To conclude, all the concerned bodies
should do their own best to the best of improving students’ writing skill
