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Lexical complexity in exemplar EFL texts: towards text adaptation for 12 grades of basic English curriculum in China.

Authors :
Su, Yanfang
Liu, Kanglong
Liu, Fengkai
Lee, John
Jin, Tan
Source :
IRAL: International Review of Applied Linguistics in Language Teaching. Mar2024, Vol. 62 Issue 1, p137-164. 28p.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Lexical complexity has been a key consideration of teaching preparation in determining grade appropriateness of teaching materials. However, the lack of quantified and defined standards for benchmarking lexical complexity has made it difficult for teachers when adapting source texts to target learners. This study has assessed quantitative differences in lexical complexity of exemplar texts at different points of schooling using a range of lexical diversity and sophistication features. The data consists of 2,372 texts from popular curriculum packages adopted from 1 to 12 grades of the English curriculum in China. One-way ANOVAs revealed significant differences in 16 out of 17 lexical complexity indices among different grades. Subsequent post hoc tests identified three lexical diversity features and four sophistication features that helped to differentiate exemplar texts across these 12 grades. These findings on the nature and role of lexical complexity have yielded new insights into the establishment of grade-level benchmarks for material preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0019042X
Volume :
62
Issue :
1
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
IRAL: International Review of Applied Linguistics in Language Teaching
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
175872617
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1515/iral-2022-0236