Mohsen Ashraf Ganjoee - Department of Foreign Languages, Kerman Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kerman, Iran

Learners considering their sex(children & adults) differ fundamentally, and these differences can affect the second language learning. This study aimed at investigating the relationship between EFL learners’ sex and their grammar learning. In order to conduct this study, the quantitative research method was used. This study was conducted in an English language institute located in Kerman, district 2. Oxford placement test was used to homogenize the participants. Based on the oxford placement test, the students were homogenized as the beginner ones and then they were distributed into groups of children and adults each containing ٥٠ students. In order to have a general and genuine reflection of the effect of sex on EFL learners’ grammar learning, oxford grammar test was used as a pre-test and post-test (simple present , present continuous & to be verbs) to assess the participants’ grammar in all groups. The results revealed that there is not a critical period, but a sensitive period for second language grammar learning, and adults can show to be better learners in grammar learning. Gender can also be regarded as an important affective factor that plays a specific role and influences second language acquisition.

Performance, competence, grammar, EFL (English as a Foreign Language), sex