A study of writing through verb phrase awareness and movies

Kim, So Yeon

Article

Journal of English Teaching through Movies and Media 2010;11(2):45-66.
Published online December 30, 2010.

A study of writing through verb phrase awareness and movies

So Yeon Kim

동사(구) 자각력 형성을 통한 영화 활용 쓰기 학습에 대한 고찰

김소연

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to (1) form an awareness of verb phrases using movies and (2) fulfil a writing task based on verb phrase awareness for adult beginners learning English. English composition is very difficult for adult beginners because there are a lot of variables involved―these include consistent logic, the writer's opinion, coherence, use of appropriate vocabulary. These variables are not appropriate to practice for adult beginners in English composition. This study suggests a class procedure focusing on verb phrases for learning writing skills using the movie Freaky Friday (2003). Learners are asked to write paragraphs about a certain scene in the movie. With this activity, learners have some curiosity and motivation to use specific verb phrases. Learners need to be aware of verb phrases consciously or unconsciously in exercising the writing task. After acquiring some verb phrases, learners can use them in correcting their own writing. Focusing on verb phrase awareness, this study has three conclusions. First, forming verb phrase awareness has a positive effect on writing. Second, learning verb phrases is very effective as a writing activity for the beginner studying English as an adult. Third, it can be concluded that forming verb phrase awareness using movies is helpful for writing.

Key Words: language awareness;verb (phrase);writing task