My approved research thesis which focuses on improving diction and expression in academic writing of EFL novice writers in English language requires application of its findings. I intend to produce and have an exercise-book. Being researchers in the area of applied linguistics, I would like to request you to leave your invaluable comments and suggestions for me to broaden my knowledge and wit in this matter.
I have no much experience in this topic but it seems to me a promising approach to promote abilities of English learners.
Yes, although not immensely. Learning to "hear" what writing says is a useful drafting-editing skill for all writers and multilingual writers in particular. However, most composition research suggests that attention to lexical, sentence-level issues (e.g., grammar, diction) is less productive than a focus on more global issues (e.g., purpose, focus, evidence-support, etc.). There is an often quoted article by Stephen North (writing center scholarship) that roughly says attention to local issues tends to improve writing while a focus on more global issues improve writers.
I also believe that they might improve writing skills but not to a large extent. There are many fluent or advanced language speakers with not such advanced writing skills. Acquiring academic writing skills requires great effort and it is a rather painstaking and long process.
Hello,
Most certainly, choice of diction and sentence patterns has a great bearing on the quality of academic writing. Both sentential and suprasentential features of text production are important. However, as you have rightly pointed out, the sentential features are a prerequisite to extra sentential elements of texture. As Robert Louis Stevenson, the great American writer admits, the novice writers should begin writing by first getting involved in reading target texts extensively . However, they must act as "diligent apes" paying attention to sensitive matters of style and jotting down those elements that play an important role in the development of the text. In early experiences of their writing, the novice authors must follow the conventions used by their favorite experienced authors ,however, as their writing skills develop, they should gradually adopt their own writing style.
Best regards,
R. Biria
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