Reading Comprehension Difficulties Among English Majored Sophomores at A University in Vietnam

Abstract

Reading comprehension is undoubtedly a fundamental skill, serving as a precursor to academic success, professional achievement, and lifelong learning as it enables language learners to acquire new knowledge and expand their worldview (Frey, Fisher, & Lapp, 2012) [11]. It is also considered the cornerstone of enhancing other productive skills, including speaking and writing skills, by facilitating the acquisition of vocabulary, syntax, and critical thinking abilities, all of which are crucial to effective communication and written expression. However, a significant number of learners encounter formidable challenges in comprehending written texts. This study endeavors to investigate the reading comprehension difficulties of English majored sophomores at Hanoi University of Industry (HaUI) as well as identify the factors behind them using a mixed-method approach. The research participants consisted of 186 sophomores, using a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. The findings indicate that the bulk of the participants have difficulties in reading comprehension, particularly with regard to certain aspects such as vocabulary, background knowledge, grammatical structures, and reading strategies. The study also uncovers several contributory factors that impede reading comprehension, mainly a lack of reading habits and a shortage of interest and motivation for reading.