Difficulties faced by the undergraduates when speaking in english

Abstract

Many English language learners frequently complain of their inability to communicate successfully and they face many difficulties when speaking in English. They also grumble that they can understand what is spoken but they cannot respond it. This study focuses on the difficulties faced by the undergraduates in oral communication in English. The study consisted of 40 first year students. The methodology employed was the analysis of data in pre and post-tests of speaking. Majority of the students had not followed any speaking lesson or had not had opportunities to speak in English in schools. The most frequent problems are the lack of sufficient vocabulary and confidence to speak because of their fear of making mistakes. The least problem was the difficulty in understanding questions. As an appropriate solution, one to one speaking sessions were introduced to build up their confidence to speak in English inside and outside the classroom effectively.