ERIC Number: EJ1142833
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Dec
Pages: 32
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0142-6001
EISSN: N/A
Investigating Criterial Discourse Features across Second Language Development: Lexical Bundles in Rated Learner Essays, CEFR B1, B2 and C1
Chen, Yu-Hua; Baker, Paul
Applied Linguistics, v37 n6 p849-880 Dec 2016
In this study, we investigated criterial discourse features in L2 writing through the use of recurrent word combinations, a.k.a. lexical bundles, taking a corpus-driven and expert-judged approach by examining L2 English data across various proficiency levels from L1 Chinese learners. Proficiency was determined by a robust rating procedure which is often used in high-stakes tests, instead of the traditional approach of utilizing extra-linguistic judgement such as program levels. Expository and argumentative essays produced by learners were rated by experienced raters and then subjected to post-rating statistical analysis. Three sizeable subcorpora, representing the Common European Framework of Reference B1, B2, and C1 levels, were then selected for investigation. After lexical bundles were retrieved and refined, structures and discourse functions were manually annotated. The findings suggest that learner writing at lower levels tends to share more features with conversation, whereas the discourse of more proficient writing is closer to that of academic prose. The implications and limitations of the study will also be discussed.
Descriptors: Essays, Guidelines, Evaluators, Phrase Structure, Computational Linguistics, Discourse Analysis, Academic Discourse, Language Proficiency, Chinese, High Stakes Tests, Persuasive Discourse, English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, Statistical Analysis, Writing Evaluation, Expository Writing, Native Language, Second Language Instruction, Standards, Foreign Countries, Rating Scales
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Europe
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A