DocuScope for genre analysis: Potential for assessing pragmatic functions in second language writing

Abstract

This chapter introduces DocuScope, a text-visualization and analysis software tool. This tool was not originally developed to teach or assess pragmatics; however, it carries a great deal of potential for assessing second language (L2) learners' ability to produce texts in a variety of genres, suggesting a significant connection with pragmatics in L2 writing. We present a study in which DocuScope was applied to classroom assessment and teaching in rural China. The application of the tool demonstrated that the Chinese EFL students who were assigned different target genres with minimal training were able to write short (200-500 word) texts that met the specifications of each target genre. Such ..