How Do Intermediate Grade Students With and Without Language-Based Learning Disabilities Use Noun Phrases in Narrative Writing?

Abstract

Noun phrase usage and elaboration is an important feature of literate language. In this study, we described noun phrase usage and elaboration in the narrative writing samples of intermediate grade students with and without language-based learning disabilities. Narrative writing samples from 64 students in fourth through sixth grades were coded for five types of noun phrases using coding procedures adapted from prior research. Noun phrase ratios (NPR) were calculated for each type of noun phrase evaluated in the study. NPRs represented the proportion of noun phrases to total clauses produced in the sample. Students in this study included all five types of noun phrases in their narrative writing to varying degrees. Between-group differences were observed in the frequency of complex noun phrase usage. Significant relationships between NPRs, analytic writing measures, and a standardized reading measure were observed. Noun phrase usage is an important consideration for both theoretical and clinical purposes. Findings from this study are related to theoretical models of writing and levels of language frameworks. The clinical relevance for noun phrase assessment and intervention for intermediate grade students with language-based learning disability is discussed.