The English Group (EG), under the supervision and guidance of Mr. Hamdan Al Abri, the coordinator of the Student Support Committee, lectured the Foundation students on common mistakes in writing from November 16 to 21, 2013.

The seven-day activity focused on making the students realize the basic errors that they commit in their writing.

A simple research to detect students’ main difficulties in writing was done prior to the event. Students’ sample scripts were collected and analyzed carefully. It was made evident to them as EFL learners that the top three difficulties are the use of spelling, prepositions and punctuation.

English Group members (mostly Post Foundation students) delivered presentations on the three areas of mistakes. They explained to students the reason behind such difficulties is the L1 or Arabic interference. Many real and authentic texts were provided.

A major part of the presentations was practicum. Many exercises were given to students to give them the chance to correct their own mistakes. One of the finer aspects about such sessions was that mistakes were identified and discussed in detail. According to the coordinator, Mr. Hamdan Al Abri, more than 30 sessions were administered; whereas, the number of beneficiaries reached a thousand.