Task-induced strategic processing in L2 text comprehension

Abstract

Strategic text processing was investigated for English as a foreign language learners who processed and recalled a text when they read for expression, for image, and for critique. The results indicated that, although the amount of content recall (i.e., products of comprehension) was similar, the relative contributions of second language (L2) proficiency and general comprehension skill differed between task conditions (Experiment 1). Think-alouds produced during reading (i.e., processes of comprehension) indicated that the amount of resource allocation to word analysis, reaction and evaluation, and self-monitoring differed between task conditions (Experiment 2). Thus, task instructions may induce strategic L2 text processing, where L2 proficiency and general comprehension skill intervene in the comprehension processes differently depending on the reading goal.