A Study on the Principles of Constructing Example Sentences for Grammar Descriptions in Korean Integrated Textbooks

Abstract

This study aims to suggest principles of making example sentences when describing grammar items and examines aspects of example sentences presented in Korean integrated textbooks. The requirements of example sentences in grammar descriptions have been mentioned in several preceding research. However, there is little research which focuses particularly on example sentences in grammar descriptions and examines the appropriacy of example sentences presented in Korean integrated textbooks. Therefore, this study sets up five principles to make appropriate example sentences and examine if these principles are in line with example sentences in Korean integrated textbooks published recently. Comprehension and use of grammar items are two significant aspects when making sentences. Thus, example sentences should show meaning, form and pragmatic information unambiguously. The findings show that most textbooks follow the five principles. However, some example sentences do not meet the requirements to be effective examples. In particular, the integrated textbooks need to include more example sentences related to the topic and the goals of the unit considering the role of grammar. (Korea University)