Investigating metalinguistic written corrective feedback focused on EFL learners’ discourse markers accuracy in mobile-mediated context

Abstract Among a growing body of research that examined the contradictory role written corrective feedback (WCF) in development L2 writing accuracy, this study investigated possible impact focused metalinguistic WCF on discourse markers (DMs) performance an intact group 42 Iranian English as Foreign Language (EFL) learners over eight-week period. In authentic, situated, and personalized learning platform, giving receiving were made only through mobile-mediated application WhatsApp. Before participants wrote selected elicitation topics, they had taken part 2004 version Oxford Preliminary Test order to be screened for their initial differences performance. After scripts, required work coded try eliminate DM errors revised assignment. collecting scripts period, content assignment was thematically analyzed using NVivo 21 Software additive, adversative, causal temporal DMs, following Halliday Hasan’s (Cohesion English., 1976) typology. convergent mixed-methods design, analysis qualitative data showed larger distribution additive than causal, DMs all participants’ scripts. Exploring improving frequency count with Statistical Package Social Sciences (SPSS) multivariate Chi-square test reported fluctuation unsystematic patterns four types no sign significant long-term improvement accuracy after WCF. These findings implied further practicing alternative strategies variety error actual virtual environments.