Reading English Texts Research Articles

Development and validation of ESL/EFL reading strategies inventory

This research aimed to develop and validate a new self-report instrument, the ESL/EFL Reading Strategies Inventory (EERSI), for investigating ESL/EFL learners' use of reading strategies when reading English informational texts. A total of 354 EFL students from a university in Bangkok, Thailand, participated in this study. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to determine the underlying factor structure of the instrument. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was subsequently carried out to verify the results obtained from the EFA. The EFA yielded a 27-item 10-factor model, comprising various processes in three categories of reading strategies (i.e. cognitive, metacognitive, and metalinguistic approaches). The CFA indicated that the hypothesized 10-factor model exhibited a relatively good fit to the data. The EERSI has acceptable validity and reliability, and can serve as a tool for exploring ESL/EFL learners' perception regarding their use of reading strategies. Applications of the inventory are discussed.

THE EFFECT OF USING COMPOSITE PICTURES ON READING COMPREHENSION ACHIEVEMENT

Reading Comprehension is the ability to read text, process it and understand the meaning. It relies on two, interconnected abilities: Word reading be able to decode the symbols on the page and language comprehension being able to understand the meaning of words and sentences . In fact, students generally feel bored and unmotivated in learning English especially in reading skill because English is different from Indonesian so that the students have difficulty in understanding reading English text. They do not know the meaning of some words in the text. Therefore, the teacher’s role becomes important in the teaching and learning process especially in teaching reading. Therefore, appropriate media should be chosen to motivate their students not only to read the text but also comprehend what they read. One of the media that can be used and applied by the teacher is Composite Pictures. A Composite Picture is a large single picture which shows a scene in which a number of people can be seen doing several things. Thus, to know whether or not there was a significant effect of using Composite Pictures on reading comprehension achievement; Composite Pictures was used as media in teaching reading in this research.

Reading Difficulties in English as a Second Language in Grade Five at a Saint Patrick’s High School for Boys, Hyderabad- India

Reading is one of the essential components of the English language. Countries that use English as a second language (ESL) sometimes have difficulties in reading and comprehension. According to many researches, mother tongue has proved some interferences with learning a second language. This study investigated the results of reading difficulties of young second language learners in terms of accuracy, comprehension, and rate using the Neale Analysis of Reading Ability test. The study was carried out in one of the High Schools for Boys in Hyderabad, India and included Grade five, aged 10-12 years. In order to understand the reading difficulties of English as a second language, a qualitative approach was employed. Interview, reading tests, and observation were conducted as a data collection tool. The findings showed that these subjects had no specific language impairments but they had different degrees of language exposure and usage that led to poor accuracy, comprehension, and reading rate during reading English language texts. Five students (50%) were classified at a low level of readers, three (30%) at a high level, and two (20%) at a mild level after evaluation of their compatibility between their chronological and reading age. It is suggested that the teachers should first assess students who struggle in reading accuracy and comprehension and then assist them with their language learning and acquisition that take place at school and home.

METACOGNITIVE STRATEGIES USED BY EFL UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN READING ENGLISH TEXT

This study aims to investigate most of metacognitive strategies used by fifth semester students of English
 Education Study Program in academic year 2020/2021 and also investigate their metacognitive awareness.
 Eighty-nine students were participated in this study including 27 males and 62 females. The current study
 used quantitative approach with survey design in which the author used a questionnaire to evaluate students’
 responses. Survey of Reading Strategies (SORS) was used to investigate the reading strategies used by
 students while reading English texts. Furthermore, it also used to assess metacognitive reading awareness
 of students. The findings reveal that the participants’ overall use of metacognitive reading strategies
 (Global, Problem-solving, and Support reading strategies) was at a high to medium level. There are 12
 strategies used with high frequency while 18 strategies used with medium frequency and no strategy
 reported using low frequency. Among of these three metacognitive categories, problem solving appears to
 be the most strategies used by participants and followed by global reading and support reading. The present
 study also reveals that they are have high- to low-level awareness of metacognitive strategies. From the
 interview, also found that most students rely more on google translate.

READING DIFFICULTIES AMONG MALAYSIAN UNDERGRADUATE ESL LEARNERS: A PRELIMINARY STUDY

Reading deficiency in reading English texts or materials among ESL undergraduate students has been one of the most significant problems in Malaysia. Educators in Malaysia are currently facing the problem as it reflects on their students’ academic performance. This study aims to investigate Malaysian ESL undergraduate students’ reading difficulties in reading English texts. 25 Malaysian students who are taking advanced English courses in a university, were selected to participate in this study. A quantitative method was employed for this study. The questionnaires were designed to fit the purpose of this study. Data analysis was done using SPSS to analyse the data collected. The result shows that students are weak in grasping the main idea when they are reading, having poor vocabulary, lack of reading habit and interest in reading English texts, and are pressured with the lack of time when reading. It can be concluded that reading deficiency affects their academic performance and their English proficiency. In overcoming their difficulties, students must equip themselves with some reading strategies to help them to comprehend the English texts that they are reading.

Analysis of Students’ Reading Comprehension Achievement in Doing High Order Thinking Skill (HOTS) in School Final Exam

The objectives of the study are to measure students’ reading comprehension achievement in doing HOTS and to find out the percentage of HOTS in English reading comprehension in school final examination at SMAN 1 Mendo Barat, Bangka. The sample of this study were two classes with total number of 69 students. In this study, the researcher used students’ test results as the instruments for collecting data. The results of HOTS in reading comprehension was then analyzed by using analysis card listed in the revised edition of Bloom’s taxonomy. It showed that the mean of students’ absorption in answering HOTS in reading comprehension correctly was 35,79% and categorized as bad. Furthermore, the percentage of HOTS in reading comprehension in UAS was 25 % of 40 multiple choice test items, without the evaluation and creation skills and 10 questions represented analysis skill. Therefore, the researcher found that the factors of students’ difficulties in doing HOTS are 1) lack of interest in reading English texts, 2) having no idea the purpose of English reading texts and 3) not accustomed to make conclusions or interpret the texts due to being lack of vocabulary.

Figurative Language in Students’ English Book

This research was carried out to investigate the types of figurative language found in reading texts at grade X students’ book, the dominant type of figurative language and to find out the students’ difficulties in understanding the figurative language. The design of the research was qualitative in which content analysis research was conducted. The source of the data was high school students’ English textbook in Padangsidimpuan. The instrument to collect the data was content analysis checklist, test and interview. Some of the students were interviewed by the researcher to know their responses on the use of figurative language. The data was analyzed based on three theories proposed by Keraf. The findings of this research are: there are 6 types of figurative language in English reading text at grade X students’ book. They are personification, hyperbole, metonymy, euphemism, antithesis, and repetition, the dominant types found in this text are personification; and the students’ difficulties in understanding the language are lacking of the linguistic knowledge that is semantic meaning and lacking of socio-cultural understanding in the phrases and sentences.

Students’ Abilities and Difficulties in Comprehending English Reading Texts at Secondary Schools; An Effect of Phonemic Awareness

Reading comprehension in the EFL context requires abilities not only linguistic competences but also reading strategies. The timely acquisition of this competence has a crucial effect for language learners. Unfortunately, most language learners in all level have low skills and high difficulties to acquire reading skills. This study aims to explore students’ abilities and difficulties in comprehending English reading texts as secondary level. This study is categorized as qualitative study consisting of three main data gathering methods: semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, and group discussions. The data collected then are analyzed in stages, namely data condensation, data display, and data conclusion. Based on the result of analysis, this study showed that students have low reading achievement at secondary level. The low achievement is affected by some reading difficulties such as low reading exercises, unwilling to read out loud, low reading skills, low vocabulary, low phonemic awareness, low reading strategies, and low grammatical competence. For further studies, reading exercises and phonemic awareness in reading activities should be paid intention with giving students with various reading texts to train them comprehend EFL texts.

A Survey of Pre-Service English Teachers’ Reading Habits of English Text

Reading should become a habit for pre-service English teachers. The habit gives significant contribution in both academic and teaching performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the habit of reading English texts for pre-service English teachers. Data was collected through surveys and validation interviews. Questionnaires were distributed to 42 students of English Education at a university in Bogor, West Java using random sampling technique. This study found that the pre-service English teachers’ reading habits of English texts are not in the good category. Based on data analysis, it can be said that they have been reading English texts for more than 12 years. However, it turned out that during more than that period they were not used to reading well and some of them had expressed not having a good habit of reading English texts. This is because they do not read English texts regularly; they tend to read Indonesian texts more often. Some obstacles were identified in reading English texts, such as not being used to reading for a long time, and lack of vocabulary. On the other hand, they have a goal in reading, one of which is to increase their knowledge and English skills. This goal can be achieved by reading English texts regularly. Their plan is to read English texts regularly and ensure positive beliefs that are motivated by themselves, for the goals they want to achieve.

Використання науково-популярних текстів у навчанні майбутніх юристів англійської мови

In the article the authors substantiate the peculiarities of how to teach reading popular-scientific texts to law students during the distance learning English. The aim of the article is to give the definition of an English popular- scientific text and it’s structure in the linguistic paradigm and to show the peculiarities of how to teach reading this kind of texts to future lawyers. Methodology. Theoretical statements include the analysis of the existing methods and approaches to teaching reading English popular-scientific texts to law students. General principles of higher school didactics and methods of teaching foreign languages, general scientific, comparative, descriptive, logical and semantic approaches to defining the peculiarities of English popular-scientific texts in linguistic theory are the theoretical and methodological basis of this article. Results. The definition of an English popular-scientific text is given on the basis of the linguistic research, the features of such texts are specified on the basis of the analysis of linguists` research, popular-scientific sites and printed editions. The requirements as to the level of mastering English competence in reading English popular-scientific texts are made according to the stages of learning English by future lawyers at the Academy of the State Penitentiary Service starting from the first to the fourth year of studies. In the article the authors use the critical analysis of the national and foreign linguistic and methodical literature sources on the research topic as well as of the educational documents and programmes. Practical implications of the results achieved lies in giving an English popular[1]scientific text in the context of future lawyers learning English at the different stages of the educational process. The authors define the types of reading and corresponding skills which are to be formed at each year of studies while learning how to read English popular-scientific texts. Some specific requirements as to the level of mastering English reading competence are to be taken into account while organizing educational activities that should help to get the degree of Masters of Law. The materials for the research are popular-scientific sources, first at all, scientific blogs, popular-scientific events and editions. Value (originality). The value of the study is characterized by the presentation of a new vision of forming future lawyers English competence while reading popular-scientific texts. The authors also give the definition of an English popular-scientific text and its structure on the basis of the linguistic research. Key words: an English popular-scientific text, future lawyers, English, reading.

THE IMPROVEMENT OF READING COMPREHENSION IN ENGLISH THROUGH STUDENT TEAM ACHIEVEMENT DIVISION (STAD)

The purpose of research is to improve the skills learners in understanding the reading text in English through STAD cooperative learning methods. The subjects were students VIII.F class in SMPN 92 Jakarta. Data collected at the initial observation as the first data, and then drafted two cycles are expected to be able to improve the skills of learners in understanding reading English text. The research model using action research model of Kurt Lewin, namely planning, action, observation and reflection. This action research was conducted over a six-month consisting of two observation meetings and eight meetings in two cycles. Four meetings, the first cycle and the second cycle of four meetings. Repairs carried out in every cycle and follow the post-test at the end of learning. Data were analyzed through qualitative and quantitative procedures. The study states that the ability of learners to understand the English text on the first cycle only 77.06. Then, the ability of learners rose to 82.55 in the second cycle. Based on that, the cooperative learning model of STAD very effective in improving the quality of the learning process and the ability of learners in understanding English texts.

EFL Students’ Strategy in Reading English Text in Perspective Automatic Information Processing (AIP)

Currently, students are asked to be able to understand literacy in reading. However, to understand literacy, of course, it has to go through the right strategy especially to beginner reader students. The purpose of this study is to determine the strategy of students in reading English text through perspective from automatic information processing (AIP) in reading. The method for this study used interviews and observations of one participant conducted in the second-level high school. This study also uses descriptive case study as research design. This study shows 5 things that should be reviewed in reading English text, namely attention, decoding, comprehension, switching in reading and automaticity. However, the five things found in this study are still rarely noticed. Therefore, this study also aims to allow educators and students to know what steps to do as a strategy to be able to read and understand the text of reading in English especially for beginner reader.

THE INFLUENCE OF ENGLISH READING ATTITUDE ON STUDENTS’ READING COMPREHENSION

Attitude in reading the English texts drives students to have enjoyable or unpleasing reading practice and affects the final result. This study intended to look for the influence of English reading attitude along with its aspects on students' reading comprehension. It also attempted to figure out which aspect of reading attitude contributed to reading comprehension. This study was conducted using correlation method. The population was the tenth grade students of an Islamic Senior High School in Palembang. The total sample participated was118 students selected by using cluster random technique. The data collection technique used reading attitude questionnaire and reading comprehension test. After analyzing the data using correlation and regression analysis, it was found that there was a significant correlation between reading attitude and reading comprehension. Though the correlation was in low category, reading attitude gave contribution to reading comprehension. For the aspects of reading attitude, cognitive attitude, negative affect, and self-assessment significantly correlated to reading comprehension. However, only negative affect showed its contribution. It indicates that English reading attitude influenced reading comprehension in positive way but only in small portion. Students could recognize the importance of reading English text for their language improvement and future success. However, poor reading comprehension skill obstructed them to have more practice in reading. The negative feelings about reading materials block students to achieve comprehension on the subject matter. Keywords : reading attitude, reading comprehension

The Contribution of Genre Awareness and Reading Habits Towards Students' Reading Comprehension

Previous studies revealed that genre awareness and reading habits partially correlate with reading comprehension. This article reported the results of a study aiming to find out the contribution of genre awareness and reading habits towards the development of students’ comprehension of reading English texts. The participants of this study were 68 students of the Department of English of a state-owned university in East Java, Indonesia, in the 2020/2021 academic year. These students took the three reading courses (Intensive Course, Basic, and Intermediate Reading courses) and were assumed to have been familiar with genres and have developed some reading habits. This research employed a correlational design, involving two predicting variables (genre awareness and reading habits), and one response variable (comprehension). The data were gathered using three instruments: an objective test to measure students’ genre awareness, an online questionnaire to identify students’ reading habits, and an objective test to measure students’ reading comprehension. The data were analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis aided by SPSS/PASW Program. The results showed that the data are normally distributed so that conclusions can be drawn accurately that genre awareness and reading habits partially and significantly contribute to reading comprehension. The results also indicated that genre awareness and reading habits simultaneously and significantly contribute to reading comprehension, as shown by the results of the analysis that genre awareness and reading habits contributed 0.203 or 20.3% to reading comprehension. The rest (79.7%) was attributed to other variables outside the variables under study. This study concludes that good genre awareness and good reading habits help students develop good reading comprehension. The results provided in this paper can be used by English teachers as an alternative to help their students improve their genre awareness and cultivate good reading habits.

Reading Difficulties of Primary School English Langauge Learners: A Case Study of District Dera Ghazi Khan

The paper aims at investigating reading difficulties that the primary school learners face in English language. Keeping in view the aim of the study, it was further divided into two research objectives: To find out the factors that were causing difficulties in reading English text and To find out the effects that such factors have on the students’ performance in reading a text in English. The data was collected using two separate tools for each of the research objectives. Data for the first objective was collected using a semi-structured interview with the English teachers of the mentioned locale of the study. For the second objective non-participatory observation was selected as a method to collect data which included a check-list as a tool to mark the effects in the performance of the students with respect to their reading texts in English Language. As far as the analysis of the data is concerned, it was thematically analyzed and the effects were mentioned following the discussion related to the findings of the first research objective. Finally, it was concluded that the students were unable to read the text because of some flaws in the teaching methodology, their lack interest in reading, which was a result of lack of motivation from the parents’ as well as teachers’ side. The rest of the findings are given in the respective sections.

Exploring Students-Teacher Interaction in Dialogic Reading of Descriptive Texts

The interaction between students and teachers in the classroom is an important part of language learning. Dialogic reading is one of the learning strategies that can be appropriate to facilitate EFL students’ and teacher’s interaction in the classroom. The dialogic reading emphasizes the interaction between adults and children in this case students and teacher, the teacher used a variety of question techniques such as ‘PEER’ and ‘CROWD’ strategy of dialogic reading. Therefore, this research aims to explore the students and teacher interaction on dialogic reading in learning reading English text. The researcher chooses micro-ethnography method to get a clear description of the interaction between the teacher and students in an EFL setting. It applied in Junior High School in Purwakarta, with three students as a participants. The result of this research showed that the teacher interacted with students’ by kind of interaction, and the students interacted with the teacher by kind of interaction too, and also the students a quiet active when they were asked by the teacher. In the classroom between teacher and students should have the willingness to participate in the interaction.

Using PQ4R to Improve Students’ Reading at Emergency Remote Learning

Emergency remote learning is a substitute for face-to-face teaching and learning activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students feel various problems in the teaching and learning process, especially reading English text in this study. Students feel uncomfortable, less handling, reading text must be repeated to understand, and the more wanted problems in this study are the mean score of reading students is still lacking. There is no particular method used in reading. Therefore, this study proposed the PQ4R method as a method that could be used to improved students' homework. This research was qualitative and quantitative with the CAR (Classroom Action Research) method, and the data collection techniques were tests and questionnaires. This study also used triangulation as data validation. The mean score of students ' reading has increased from the existing situation, the first cycle, to the second cycle. The current situation means the score was 65.16, the mean score of the first cycle was 78.03, and the mean score of the second cycle was 88.94. In addition, students' responses to the PQ4R method were positive. The results of this study indicated that the PQ4R process could improve students' reading mean scores.

The Students' Reading Habit of English Education Study Program at STKIP PGRI Lubuklinggau

This research aimed to identified English reading habits of the sixth semester students of English Education Study Program at STKIP PGRI Lubuklinggau. This research employed in descriptive qualitative research design. The participants were from class B at the sixth semester students of English Education Study Program. The subject was 16 students. The data collected by using questionnaire adapted from a survey of EFL students in Indonesia from Iftanti (2012) and study from Samaranayake (2016) as the instrument to identify about English reading habits at the sixth semester students of English Education Study Program at STKIP PGRI Lubuklinggau. Based on the result of data analysis, the researcher found out the data: 1) 3 motivation English reading habits such as: improved reading skill, to know the knowledge and to improve their vocabularies. 2) Students’ belief, reading English can improve English ability in their activity and 3) Students’ purpose in reading English is for their study. In conlusion, the sixth semester students of English Education Study Program Class B at STKIP PGRI Lubuklinggau have good English reading habits. Students good habits are: they are eager to read English, they spend most of their time reading English texts,and they have strong interest to read English regularly.
 
 Key word: Higher Education Students’, Reading, Reading Habit

The Students Difficulties in Comprehending Reading Text at the Eleventh Grade of SMA Negeri 6 Sigi

This research was conducted to find out the students’ difficulties in comprehending English reading narrative text. The subject of the research was the eleventh grade IPA 1 students of SMA Negeri 6 Sigi. The research used descriptive qualitative method. The instruments were test and interview. The test was used to gain data of the students’ difficulties in comprehending reading text. Furthermore, the interview was used to support the data about the students’ difficulties in comprehending reading text. The finding showed that the students’ difficulties are lack of vocabulary, low ability in comprehending narrative text, not have enough understanding about the general structure and types of narrative text, have no interest in English reading text, bored in reading English texts, and difficulties used past tense in narrative text. In other words, the students at the eleventh grade of SMA Negeri 6 Sigi still got difficulties in comprehending reading narrative text.

Students’ Needs Analysis for the Development of Electronic Descriptive Reading Materials for Hotel Accommodation Program in VHS

Abstract. In this 21st century, students who are millennials are very accustomed to using electronic media in their daily lives, therefore electronic media, such as; smartphones, laptops, computers, and many others, have taken a central role in students' daily learning activities. This study aimed to obtain information about the needs of Vocational High School students in the field of reading English based on the use of media electronic learning. This study was qualitative and quantitative study in learning materials. In order to collect data for this study, questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used. The questionnaires were distributed to 33 tenth grade students from SMKN 3 Palembang's hotel accommodation study program. The semi-structured interview was conducted with the tenth Grade-English teacher. The results showed that: 1) most of the students feel motivated when learning use the media electronic, 2) the specific aspects related to the hospitality sector that need to be combined into English reading text materials are descriptions of the jobs they will do later after graduating from the school so that they can increase their knowledge and expertise by their majors. The results of this study concluded that hotel accommodation students need electronic descriptive reading materials in learning activities. Therefore, this study is also used as the preliminary study in developing the electronic descriptive reading materials for hotel accommodation program of VHS.Keywords: Needs Analysis, Hotel Accommodation, Electronic Learning, Descriptive Text, and VHS.