| Author: | Li, Hanyu |
| Title: | A corpus-based investigation into native English and EFL students’ use of shell nouns in argumentative writing |
| Advisors: | Hu, Guangwei (ENGL) |
| Degree: | M.A. |
| Year: | 2022 |
| Subject: | Discourse analysis Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations |
| Department: | Department of English and Communication |
| Pages: | v, 57 pages : illustrations |
| Language: | English |
| Abstract: | This study analyzes shell nouns in the argumentative writing finished by native English speakers and non-native English speakers (EFL students). To examine the influence brought by the L1 background and L2 proficiency level, non-native English speakers are further divided into different groups depending on their L1 backgrounds (Chinese and Japanese) and L2 proficiency levels (A2 and B1_2) based on the Common European Framework for Reference of Language (CEFR). Using a corpus-based methodology, this study analyzes the shell nouns quantitatively and qualitatively regarding the scope, frequencies, functions, and patterns among different groups. The results show that native English speakers used shell nouns in a wider scope and at a higher frequency than non-native English speakers. And the functions and patterns of the shell nouns used varied between native and non-native English speakers and between non-native English speakers with different L1 backgrounds and L2 proficiency levels. This study also finds heavy reliance on certain shell nouns and textual structures shown by Japanese-speaking students. Furthermore, this work provides suggestions for instructing L2 learners to utilize shell nouns in writing, which could be useful for improving the use of shell nouns and to enhancing their writing ability. |
| Rights: | All rights reserved |
| Access: | restricted access |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6451.pdf | For All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only) | 641.06 kB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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