Some reading problems of Arab EFL students

الملخص EN

This article sheds light on the reading problems that Palestinian school and university EFL students face.

After evaluating the current situation in the Gaza Strip, and collecting data on the basis of observation, a teacher questionnaire, and case studies, I classify these problems according to their causes into four: 1.

Reading problems related to the misunderstanding of the reading process.

2.

Reading problems related to insufficient linguistic competence in general, and practice of reading in particular.

3.

Reading problems related to differences between English and Arabic.

4.

Reading problems related to the English spelling\sound system.

Finally, I state some pedagogical suggestions to develop EFL reading in Gaza such as using the Extensive Approach to reading and dealing with students in a human fashion.