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Searching for multiple sources in L2 writing processes: A case study of search strategies used by an undergraduate student

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DOI: 10.23977/trance.2023.050707 | Downloads: 6 | Views: 221

Author(s)

Weihong Chen 1

Affiliation(s)

1 College of Foreign Languages, Quanzhou Normal University, Quanzhou, Fujian, 362000, China

Corresponding Author

Weihong Chen

ABSTRACT

Existing studies of source use in L2 writing in natural settings tended to be product-oriented and seldom investigated students' search strategies. This study adopted the process perspective and examined in detail a fourth-year undergraduate's search strategies in L2 writing processes. Data were triangulated by screen recording, keystroke logging, stimulated recall interview and textual analysis. The results showed the student's use of a variety of search strategies, including selecting Bing to perform a search, entering focused keywords, setting time range of search results, mapping out an outline and locating multiple sources. The results indicate the student writer's advanced level of search abilities, thereupon providing further insights for researchers and teachers.

KEYWORDS

Natural settings; search strategies; L2 writing processes

CITE THIS PAPER

Weihong Chen, Searching for multiple sources in L2 writing processes: A case study of search strategies used by an undergraduate student. Transactions on Comparative Education (2023) Vol. 5: 42-47. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23977/trance.2023.050707.

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