This study investigated whether the effects of working memory on second language (L2) writing performance depend upon the level of L2 proficiency. Fifty-six learners of L2 English at different levels of proficiency performed a complex working memory task in their native language (Spanish/Catalan), a standardized L2 proficiency test, and a narrative L2 writing task. L2 writing performance was assessed by means of the quantitative measures of accuracy, complexity, and fluency, and by means of holistic ratings of writing quality. The results showed that at low levels of proficiency, working memory was associated with higher accuracy, while at high levels of proficiency, there was a positive link between working memory and lexical sophistication. Our findings demonstrate a differential and nuanced involvement of working memory on L2 writing performance.

这项研究调查了工作记忆对第二语言（L2）写作表现的影响是否取决于第二语言水平。五十六位英语水平不同的学习者以其母语（西班牙语/加泰罗尼亚语）执行了一项复杂的工作记忆任务，一项标准的第二语言能力测试和一个叙述性的第二语言写作任务。通过准确性，复杂性和流利性的定量度量以及整体的写作质量评估来评估L2写作表现。结果表明，在低水平的水平下，工作记忆与较高的准确性相关；而在高水平的水平下，工作记忆与词汇复杂度之间存在正相关关系。