Abstract:
In the process of learning English as a second language some emotional factors influence learning
abilities. The emotional factors are mainly thought to be intelligence, motivation, attitudes and
anxiety. Among them, anxiety stands out as one of the most influential factors in learning the English
language. It can impede students’ learning process and achievements. Previous research unearthed
many reasons for the existence of anxiety among ESL learners. The present study aimed to
investigate the anxiety experienced by the ESL students of the South Eastern University of Sri Lanka
(SEUSL), identify the factors that led to anxiety and the strategies to overcome it. Mixed methods
approach was used covering questionnaire survey, interview and focus group discussion. The
participants of the study included 50 undergraduates of SEUSL who learned English as a second
language. The data were analyzed manually and using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).
Results of the present study suggest that majority of the students experience some kind of anxiety in
the ESL classes and most of the students face a form of anxiety predominantly during oral tests and
in-class presentations. Furthermore, this study suggests measures to rectify the situations; both
students and instructors need to carefully deal with the situations that provoke anxiety. In addition,
providing a comfortable, friendly learning environment for the ESL undergraduates at the SEUSL is
helpful to ease anxiety.
