Corpus-Based Study of Amplifiers in Academic Writing of Chinese EFL Learners

Abstract

This research aims to analyse the use of amplifiers in academic writing of Chinese EFL (English as a Foreign Language) learners with a comparison to that of native speakers. By analysing the frequency and features of amplifiers in Louvain Corpus of Native English Essays and Ten-thousand English Compositions of Chinese Learners, it is noticeable that Chinese EFL learners’ limited variety of vocabulary might lead to the high frequency of certain amplifiers. Pedagogically, raising learners’ awareness on the inappropriate use of amplifiers in academic writing is a necessity. The instruction on using intensifying adverbs authentically should be emphasized in Chinese EFL classes.