Task repetition versus task rehearsal: Understanding effects of task-readiness factors and elemental genres on L2 writing task performance

Abstract

In the literature on task-based language teaching (TBLT), task repetition and task rehearsal have frequently been used interchangeably. However, this distinction, identified as potentially significant (Ellis, 2019), is noteworthy due to the potential impact of participants’ awareness of future repetitions on second language (L2) task performance. Given the lack of empirical exploration regarding task repetition and task rehearsal distinction in the context of L2 writing, this study investigates how task rehearsal and task repetition affect the narrative and argumentative writing performances of 120 students of English as a second language (ESL) from a U.S. university. They were randomly assigned to four groups. Groups 1 and 3 wrote the narrative text initially, repeated the same task, and then proceeded to write the argumentative text, which was also repeated. The intervals between these performances were one week apart. However, Group 3 knew in advance that they were going to repeat the task, whereas Group 1 lacked this knowledge. Conversely, Groups 2 and 4 began by writing the argumentative text, repeated that task, and then proceeded to complete the narrative text, which was also repeated within the same time intervals. Group 4 had forewarning of their future performance, while Group 2 did not. We analysed the essays using the complexity, accuracy, lexis, and fluency (CALF) measures. The results indicated that time significantly influenced almost all CALF measures in narrative and argumentative writing, irrespective of the forewarning condition. Additionally, task readiness and essay order had a significant impact on most CALF measures, particularly in narrative writing. Specifically, task readiness positively affected the majority of CALF measures in narratives, whereas essay order exhibited sporadic influence.