Pre-task planning refers to the planning activity carried out before commencing a task. The present study by using the technique of keystroke logging investigates the effect of pre-task planning on the process features of second language writing.
Pre-task planning refers to the planning activity carried out before commencing a task and is a strategy frequently used in teaching second language writing. Using the technique of keystroke logging, the present study investigates the effect of pre-task planning on the process of second language writing. The study followed a within-group quasi-experimental design. It involved 48 participants majoring in English at a Chinese university. Each participant composed two argumentative essays: in one they were given 10 minutes planning time before starting to write for 30 minutes; in the other the participants were instructed to start immediately and write for 40 minutes. The writing process was examined in terms of measures of production rate, pausing, and revision. Results show that pre-task planning benefited the speed of writing and that this occurred by the participants reducing the amount of pauses and revisions. Practical and methodological implications will be discussed.
