Case Studies On The Effects Of Text Summarization On Argumentation Writing Qualities Of EFL Learners At Different Proficiency Levels

Summary writing is regarded as an integrative task involving reading and writing.Many studies indicate that English reading could enhance the writing skills of EFL learners.However,empirical studies on impacts of reading-based text summarization on argumentative writings are few,which remains to be further explored.In the present study,three Chinese freshmen of non-English majors at different proficiency levels have performed a summary and a response argumentative essay based on the same source text,in which accuracy,fluency,vocabulary complexity and grammatical complexity are analyzed.In the 24-week longitudinal case studies,altogether 24 essays and 21 summaries have been collected.By investigating the written samples and interviews of the three participants,both quantitative and qualitative methods are employed to examine the effects of text summarization on argumentation writing qualities of EFL learners at different proficiency levels.The results show that the participants at different proficiency levels enjoy various benefits from text summarization.For the high-proficiency learner,it could improve the language accuracy and vocabulary complexity in his argumentative writings.For the medium-proficiency learner,it could only improve his vocabulary complexity especially.For the low-proficiency learner,it could improve the linguistic accuracy,fluency,and vocabulary complexity.According to interviews,the three participants consider text summarization could make them have a deep understanding of the text structure and improve the organization of their own compositions.They all hold a favorable attitude towards text summarization and regard it necessary to insist on writing summaries.Text summarizaiton has a positive effect on improving the writing teaching and the writing proficiency of students.