| Punctuation is an inevitable and irreplaceable element in reading and writing. The high frequency of the use of punctuation has presented its significance in students’ learning of English. However, punctuation has scarcely been investigated inside and outside China. Limited study about punctuation mainly focused on the ways how punctuation could be taught instead of the use of punctuation. This study aims to study Chinese students’ use of English punctuation.530 college students have participated in this study. The subjects majored in either science or art from two universities in central China. They were required to fill in a questionnaire on college students’ use of punctuation. The results suggested that, firstly, there was no difference between male and female college students in their use of punctuation. Secondly, English majors differed from non-English majors on attention to and confidence in the use of punctuation. They also showed difference in asking help when encountering punctuation problems. In addition, they expressed different attitude toward college instruction on punctuation and feedback from teachers. Thirdly, there was significant difference among students with different levels of English proficiency on their attention to and confidence in using punctuation. Fourthly, students with different ability to use punctuation differed significantly on their attention to and confidence in using punctuation. Besides, they had different opinions on understandability of the rules of punctuation and the correction of punctuation errors. Furthermore, they diverged on the easiness of specific types of punctuation.It is of great urgency to enhance college students’ awareness of the importance of punctuation. According to college students’ English proficiency and ability to use punctuation, various approaches should be adopted including systemic instruction on the use of punctuation and self-study to assist learners in acquiring the ability to use punctuation. |
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