The schematic structure of discussion sections in applied linguistics and the distribution of metadiscourse markers

Abstract

This study examines the applicability of the schematic structure of research article (RA) discussion sections in the field of applied linguistics proposed by Yang and Allison (2003), and the organizational features of moves, and the distribution of metadiscourse markers across moves. The analysis is based on a corpus of 20 RAs from two high-profile journals in applied linguistics. Findings from the current study have shown that this schematic structure can be applied to a different dataset from the same field, without the need for additional moves. Specific patterns were noted with regard to the organizational features of moves and steps, in particular, opening and closing moves and move sequences. Marked differences were identified in the distribution of textual and interpersonal markers across moves in discussion sections. The findings from this study have both theoretical and pedagogical significance in terms of strengthening confidence in the reliability of Yang and Allison's RA discussion section schematic structure, deepening novice writers' understanding of differences in the frequency and sequencing of moves and steps, and heightening writers' awareness of the functions of metadiscourse markers and their distribution across moves in RAs.