Corpora for Eap Writing

Abstract

I first define what is meant by EAP writing and provide a rationale for using corpora for research and teaching of EAP writing. This is followed by a section which provides a snapshot of key trends in both research and pedagogic applications, looking at developments in corpora, software tools and types of enquiries. Key issues in using corpora are discussed, such as the effectiveness of using corpora for improving writing and how recent innovations in software tools can address difficulties students encounter with phraseologies. The body of the chapter discusses key studies for research and instructional purposes. The four areas covered include two functional areas (citation practices and Swalesian move structure patterning) and two linguistic features (lexical bundles and keywords). Pedagogic applications of students’ use of corpora as a reference for revising and error correction are discussed. Recommendations for future development of the field include more focus on ethnographic, cross-contextual investigations, and also cross-linguistic/cross-cultural studies. Investigations of students’ autonomous use of corpora outside the classroom, especially their long-term use of corpora, would be welcome as there exist few studies at present.