Syntactic Errors in the Writing of BIPA Students (Levels B1 and B2) at Bandung Independent School and the Utilization of Teaching Materials

Abstract

This research explores the syntactic errors that arise in writing descriptive texts by Indonesian as a Foreign Language (BIPA) learners at the B1 and B2 levels at Bandung Independent School. In addition to describing the types of errors—including incorrect use of prepositions, word order, conjunctions, and pronouns—the study also analyzes the main causes and offers relevant teaching materials suggestions. Using qualitative descriptive methods and a document analysis approach, data was collected from 6 descriptive texts (3 participants at the B1 level, 3 participants at the B2 level), and then categorized based on error types. The results show that at the B1 level, word order errors are the most dominant (32%), while at the B2 level, the highest frequency of errors occurs in the use of conjunctions (28%). The main factors include negative transfer from the mother tongue, a weak understanding of complex clause structures, and a lack of contextual writing practice. Based on these findings, a syntactic exercise module, a focused feedback sheet, and group activities were developed to familiarize learners with the correct selection and placement of sentence elements. The implementation of teaching materials is expected to improve the accuracy of descriptive text writing for BIPA learners at both levels