Time Factors in EFL Writing Complexity, Accuracy, and Fluency: A Preliminary Trade-off Model

Ming-Huei Lin ； Shu-Yin Yeh

《應用英語期刊》 8期 (2015/12) Pp. 1-24

並列摘要

The Limited Attentional Capacity Model (LACM) is believed to influence the memory processing system, causing a trade-off relationship between the levels of complexity, accuracy, and fluency (CAF) in writing by EFL students. Among the factors that influence EFL student writers’ use of the LACM and their ability to maintain a balanced, shifting relationship between the three linguistic features, time may be considered one of the most influential variables. However, the current literature on the exclusive influence of time on EFL college students’ CAF in writing is relatively limited. This study aims to manipulate time as a variable in undergraduate EFL students’ writing to shed light on the dynamic interaction between the elements of CAF as used by these students. The research results indicate a clear trade-off model triggered by time factors between fluency and complexity/accuracy. Specifically, when writing under great pressure (i.e., a limited time frame of 20 minutes), the participants tended to develop writing fluency over complexity and accuracy. In contrast, students’ writing complexity and accuracy were developed at the expense of fluency when they were given more time (40 minutes). The paper concludes by discussing possible reasons for the trade-off mode identified in the results and by identifying avenues for further investigation.

並列關鍵字

The Limited Attentional Capacity Model ； EFL writing ； time factors