The Study of Modal Verb in L2 Learners Writing: Focusing on Certainty/Uncertainty

This study attempts to explore the occurrence and the use of modal verbs which is a challenge for L2 learners for its various functions in English writing. Thus, this study examines whether the students are correctly aware of the modal verbs and can write their meanings, especially will and would expressing certainty. For methodology, this research begins with a test of Korean L2 learners to identify their knowledge of the modal verbs. Then they are asked to write their life goals using the modal verbs. Finally, their corpus will be examined and analyzed focusing on the frequency and accuracy of modal verbs. The results show that although Korean L2 learners were able to choose the correct answer on their multiple choices, they have difficulty applying it in their writing, especially will and would with a certainty meaning. These findings cast a light in terms of the pedagogical implications. It is suggested that Korean education should focus on productive learning such as writing and speaking rather than receptive learning such as reading and listening in studying English. Consequently, L2 learners will be able to write English more precisely and verbalize their ideas more fluently.