The Effect of Multiple Drafts on Structural Accuracy in Writing

Abstract

communication activities; and reading extensively out of class. These findings confirm recommendations made by several studies (Rubin 1975, Stern 1975, Naiman, Fröhlich, Stern, and Todesco 1978) of the learning strategies of good language learners. The findings also indicate that good learners, especially those at intermediate and advanced stages, exhibit a high level of independence and that motivation plays a very important role. In addition, the findings show that good language learners in China are in many respects similar to good language learners elsewhere. The interviews revealed a number of interesting similarities and differences in language learning behavior. While good language learners did not all use the same techniques, those they used were all functional in nature and directed at meaning. Also, while these learners were all highly motivated, the reasons for their motivation to learn English varied, as did their language learning histories. For the poorer learners, the cause of low motivation was generally the same-for example, failure to pass the examinations for science majors, followed by a change to an English major-but the learning techniques they used differed considerably. One student reported trying to use strategies employed by a good language learner and finding them unsuitable. This and other findings suggest the complexity and sometimes idiosyncratic character of foreign language learning processes.

Cor

“…But allowing multiple attempts is a standard practice in other disciplines. Multiple drafts of papers are a key component of many writing assignments in the English Department [23] and the use of multiple drafts is also seen in writing assignments in the science classroom [24].…”