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Exploring the interplay between task-readiness factors and task complexity in L2 writing performance and anxiety

ORCiD logo with link | University of Nevada, RenoReno
 | Allameh Tabataba’i University
Published online: 16 May 2025
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https://doi.org/10.1075/itl.23003.abd
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between task-readiness factors, task complexity, and their impact on L2 writing task performance and anxiety in the task-based language teaching (TBLT) domain. The study aimed to address gaps in the TBLT literature by investigating the combined effects of task repetition, task rehearsal, and task complexity on different constructs of L2 writing, including syntactic complexity, accuracy, lexical complexity, and fluency (CALF), as well as their effects on L2 writing anxiety. The study involved 90 undergraduate ESL students enrolled in advanced academic writing courses at an American university. Participants completed an L2 writing anxiety questionnaire before performing two argumentative writing tasks of varying cognitive complexity, spaced one week apart. After the initial task performances, a perception questionnaire was completed to validate assumptions about cognitive task complexity. The participants then repeated the same writing tasks within the same time interval. Results indicated that task readiness generally improved all CALF measures. Task repetition resulted in more accurate and lexically and syntactically complex writing while task rehearsal led to greater fluency. All the CALF measures, except for accuracy, varied as a function of task complexity. Furthermore, the participants experienced lower levels of L2 writing in the simple task and the second performance.
Article outline
  • Introduction
  • Review of literature
    • Transitioning from task planning to task-readiness: A Framework evolution
    • Task repetition and CALF in L2 writing
    • Task rehearsal and CALF in L2 writing
    • Task complexity and CALF in L2 writing
    • Anxiety and L2 writing performance
  • Method
    • Participants
    • Materials
      • Writing tasks
      • Perception Questionnaire
      • Anxiety questionnaire
    • Procedures
    • CALF measures
    • Data analysis
  • Results
    • Perception questionnaire
    • What are the effects of task readiness factors (i.e., task repetition and task rehearsal) and task complexity on CALF during initial and repeated writing task performances?
  • Syntactic complexity
  • Accuracy
  • Lexical complexity
  • Fluency
    • How do task readiness factors, specifically task repetition and task rehearsal, and task complexity affect L2 writing anxiety during initial and repeated writing task performances?
  • Discussion
    • Effects of task readiness factors and task complexity on CALF during initial and repeated writing task performances
    • Effects of task readiness factors and task complexity on L2 writing anxiety during initial and repeated writing task performances
  • Conclusion: Implications, limitations, and future research directions
  • References
References (63)
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