Faculty of Arts & Culture South Eastern University of Sri Lanka Oluvil # 32360 Sri Lanka
Abstract
This study investigates the effect of using Wh-questions on the quantity and
quality of students in English grammar. Fifty students from different Tamil
speaking communities were chosen as the sample of this study. The data
comprising 50 Wh-questions with subjective and objective forms was used for this
survey. L2 learners often imitate their mother tongue in the use of questions. They
use statements for questions. The order of words in sentences, that is, SVO
(subject – verb - object) in an affirmative sentence and the position of auxiliaries in
interrogative sentences become complicated for Tamil speaking students. The
different approaches followed in forming questions for subjective mode and
objective mode have become more problematic, especially in simple present. Lack
of knowledge on the accurate meaning and appropriate function of question words,
incorrect use of order of words have frequently become main causes of errors. I
believe that the finding of the present study could provide useful insights to
language teachers who teach Wh-questions in English grammar
