Errors & Mistakes

Question 1

Errors & Mistakes

Answer 1

A mistake is when you say or write something wrong even though you actually know the rule. It happens because of tiredness, lack of attention, or carelessness. When someone points it out, you can correct it immediately.

An error happens because you do not know the rule. It is caused by lack of knowledge, so the learner cannot correct it without being taught.

Question 2

Sources of Errors

Answer 2

There are three main reasons why learners make errors:

Interlingual interference: When the mother tongue influences the second language. Example: “I have 14 years” (transferring first-language structure).

Intralingual interference (overgeneralization): When learners apply a rule too widely. Example: “He shoulds visit the doctor.”

Context of learning: When the learner receives incorrect input from the beginning, such as learning a word with the wrong pronunciation.

Question 3

Types of Error Correction

Answer 3

Self-correction: The student corrects themselves with a hint from the teacher.

Peer-correction: A classmate helps the learner correct their error.

Class-correction: The whole class helps one student correct their error.

Teacher-correction: The teacher supplies the correct form directly.