The document outlines various categories of common errors in second language (L2) writing, including verb, noun, article, word choice, sentence structure, spelling, and other errors. It emphasizes the importance of identifying these errors by category, providing specific examples, and expecting students to make revisions. The guidance aims to enhance the understanding and writing skills of L2 learners by addressing these common issues.

1. By Danielle Bergez-Adapted from: page 304 of Ferris, D., & Hedgcock, J.S. (2014). Teaching L2 composition: Purpose, process, and practice (3rd
ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.
ERROR CATEGORIES
Category Subcategories Feedback Examples
Verb errors Verb tense (present,
past, future) or form
(active, passive, base,
participles) or subject-
verb agreement (he
write)
Highlight and identify by category or subcategory name.
Expect student to make change(s).
 In the 1960s, researchers study ...
 Research has show that…
 Smith (2015) claim…
Noun errors Singular/plural,
possessives, using noun,
adjective, adverb in place
of the correct form
Highlight and identify by category or subcategory name.
Expect student to make change(s).
 The report was released to three potential investor.
 It was published in at least two edition’s.
 The directors office will issue a statement.
 The company’s decision greatly impacted the
economic.
Article errors Articles (a, an, the) or
determiners (many, a
few, enough, little)
Articles are usually the last grammatical form acquired.
Sometimes they never are. Only comment on them if
they prevent comprehension or are genuinely
distracting.
 Choosing a right option can be difficult for students.
 Writing rough draft for first time can be challenging.
 There is many research on this topic.
Word choice
errors
Vocabulary, prepositions,
pronoun errors, level of
formality
These may benefit from direct correction, as the student
chose the particular word because he/she felt it was
correct. Alternatives may not be so obvious to non-
native speakers.
The level of formality and what constitutes formal
language may be unclear.
 When I was an understudy undergraduate, I majored
in biology.
 The proposal was submitted on in April.
 The article was so tough difficult to understand. I
almost didn’t make it.
Sentence
structure
errors
Run-on sentences,
fragments, comma
splices, word order,
missing words,
unnecessary words
Highlight and identify by category or subcategory name.
Expect student to make change(s).
 The introduction of this type of technology improved
communication for the first time people did not have
to wait until they could log on to a computer to
retrieve their email.
 Because this violates a basic principle of economics.
 The purpose of the document is to inform employees
about the recent changes, everyone should read the
document carefully.
Spelling errors Errors in spelling Highlight and identify by category or subcategory name.
Expect student to make change(s).
 One instanse recorded…
Other errors Capitalization,
punctuation, others not
covered above
Highlight and identify by category or subcategory name.
Expect student to make change(s).
 Use of vaccination can prevent Disease and
encourage Health.
 The initial public offering occurred on May 25 2015.