On written corrective feedback in L2 writing

Abstract

Truscott (1996) questions the practicability of grammar correction, and he believes that written corrective feedback (WCF) is not only a waste of time, but even harmful to the students as well. This has led to a great deal of discussion and research on WCF in second-language (L2) writing. Ferris (1999) is the representative opponent of Truscott’s point of view, who argues that WCF should not be abandoned in that it can improve the accuracy of L2 learners’ writing. Many empirical studies have been conducted and the results support Ferris’ view that WCF is useful in promoting the development of L2 writing. This paper gives a literature review from a dichotomy perspective of WCF.