Pause, Point, Perfect: Assessing English Majors’ Competence in the Use of Punctuation Marks

Punctuation is a fundamental aspect of writing mechanics that significantly influences clarity, coherence, and communication quality. Despite English being a primary medium of instruction in the Philippines, many students need help with proper punctuation usage due to historical and systemic educational factors. This study assessed the punctuation competence of Bachelor of Arts in English Language (BAEL) freshmen students at a local college in Bago City during the academic year 2023-2024. Specifically, it examined students' demographic profiles, competence levels across various tests, and the influence of gender, socio-economic status, and reading habits. Using a descriptive research design, data were gathered from 102 freshmen selected through stratified random sampling. A researcher-made test evaluated their punctuation skills, including identifying punctuation mark usage, textual observation, and writing application. Results revealed that most students demonstrated moderate competence (M=25.31, SD= 3.47) across these areas, with slight variations observed. Female students performed marginally better overall, and those who spent more time reading exhibited higher competence levels. However, no statistically significant differences were found based on gender (p-value = 0.97), socio-economic status (p-value = 0.16), and time spent reading (p-value = 0.06). These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions that integrate punctuation, textual analysis, and writing practices to enhance students' language proficiency and academic performance.