Metadiscourse analysis: researching Cambridge language test in terms of their metadiscourse features at difference levels

Bax, S., D. Waller and F. Nakatsuhara

February 2012 - October 2012

Funding Body: Cambridge English Language Assessment

Summary: This project, funded by Cambridge English language Assessment, analysed a large dataset of expository writing texts from the Cambridge FCE, CAE and CPE examinations in terms of their metadiscourse features. It made use of a bespoke online tool (www.textinspector.com/discourse) in combination with detailed discourse analysis, to identify patterns in metadiscourse use across the three proficiency levels. Results showed interesting patterns of use which were evaluated in the light of previous research on metadiscourse.