The relationship of proficiency to speed fluency, pausing, and eye-gaze behaviours in L2 writing

In this study we investigated the extent to which writing proficiency predicts L2 writers’ speed fluency, pausing, and eye-gaze behaviours cognitive processes that underlie pausing. Additionally, explored whether these relationships were influenced by stage of (beginning, middle stages, end). The participants 60 Chinese second language users English, with levels ranging from CEFR B1 C1 levels. They all completed two independent TOEFL iBT tasks over sessions, being counterbalanced across participants. While composing, recorded participants’ keystrokes behaviours. Participants also took part in a stimulated recall session based on last task they had completed. A series mixed-effects regression models found was strongest predictor fluency. analysis revealed considerably less variation activities among lower- than higher-proficiency writers stages.