Writing Strategy Use between English Learners of Different Levels: A Think-Aloud Study

This study focuses on the different writing strategies adopted by different-level English learners. We use think-aloud protocols to study planning strategy, avoidance strategy and repetition strategy adopted by four English learners in English writing so as to explore similarities and differences between high-level and low-level English learners in writing strategy. All learners adopt planning strategy before they begin writing. Repetition strategy is the most frequently used strategy. High-level English learners adopt more planning strategies than low-level English learners. High-level writers use more active avoidance strategies, while the low-level writers use more passive avoidance strategies.