Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 11, 2025

Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effect of Induced Emotion on Grammar Learning
Published on: January 29, 2020
Human Ratings of Writing Quality Capture Features of Syntactic Variety and Transformation in Chinese EFL Learners'
Jin Xue1, Liyan Zheng1, Xiaoyi Tang1
1School of Foreign Studies, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
Traditionally, writing quality is measured by human ratings, either holistically or analytically. The present study aimed to investigate the locus of human ratings by analyzing the linguistic features that are predictive of writing quality. One hundred and 44 argumentative writing samples from Chinese learners of English as a foreign language were evaluated by human ratings and quantitative measurement of writing quality indexed by Coh-Metrix. Holistic and analytic human ratings had significant correlations with quantitative measures related to syntactic variety and transformation. Moreover, linear and logistic regressions revealed that syntactic simplicity, words before main verb, syntactic structure similarity in all sentences and across paragraphs, incidence of passive voice and temporal connectives were five valid indices that can consistently differentiate writing quality indexed by human ratings. The present findings have significant pedagogical implications for human ratings on writing quality in the foreign language learning context.
Related Concept Videos
Language and Cognition
Components of Language
Guidelines for Writing Outcome
Patient outcomes reflect the patient's response to the goal rather than what the nurse aims to achieve. Terminology should be observable and measurable to avoid the reader's interpretation. The desired outcome should be realistic and achievable in the designated care timeframe. Expected outcomes should align with adjunctive therapies. The outcome should enhance care...
Comparing Experimental Results: Student's t-Test
Group Design
Variability: Analysis
The range is a simple measure of variability, indicating the difference between the highest and...

