Patterns of revision in first language and second language writing

Archibald, A. (2004) Patterns of revision in first language and second language writing. BALEAP Conference 2003: Developing Academic Literacy, Southampton, UK. 09 - 11 Apr 2003.

Abstract

This study reports on an analysis of the patterns of revision in student writing. It tracks twelve writers producing short (250 word) texts in both their first language and in a second language using standard word processing software on personal computers. The study employs software to log keystrokes, mouse movements, and the timing of events as the writer writes. This analysis is coupled with observation of writers during the task and with post interviews.
This study follows on from a number of studies into revision patterns employed by writers in their first language. It takes as its starting point a classification scheme established by Faigley and Witte (1981) to describe the revision patterns of writers in their first language. This study questions the validity of this scheme in analysing learners writing in a second language and raises questions about the similarities and differences in the process of writing in a first or second language.

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