Corpus-based Development of Syntactic Complexity in EFL Writing

Syntactic complexity has long been taken as a significant factor in determining writing quality by EFL learners. And researchers recent years have made lot of efforts to devise and verify wide range factors or indicators for the purpose measuring syntactic predicting quality. The present study discussed bases itself on self-built learner corpus with data collected over three years, aim applicable indices beginner Based previous research, takes into account such unit length, verb-VAC complexity, clausal complexity. results pairwise comparisons year indicate that there are differences some but not others. In terms mean length sentence, Tuni, clause can serve main descriptive variables development language beginners; seven indices: coordinate phrases per T-unit, verb clauses clause, complex nominals Tunit, T-units reliable development. But noun phrase show no difference Kruskal-Wallis tests. findings provide proof conclusion knowledge skills modification, coordination, subordination form real difficulties beginners. It provides implications coursebook design classroom teaching where beginners supposed focus more breeding awareness these aspects.