Reading strategies for improving general proficiency in EFL : a study

Abstract EN

A number of scholars have put forward the hypothesis that reading is not only an effective means of improving the learners' competence in reading the foreign language they are taught, it is equally effective in raising the level of their general proficiency in the language they are learning.

More specifically, the hypothesis states that a combined extensive and intensive reading under appropriate instructions from an experienced teacher tends to raise the learners' proficiency in the language under instruction.

The present study was designed to test the validity of the above hypothesis with reference to the post-graduate students of science at Taiz University, whose proficiency in EFL needs upgrading in order to ensure their optimal success in their respective disciplines.

It is evident from the study that after 14 weeks of extensive and intensive reading instructions, the students who participated in the study under report showed a statistically significant improvement in their over all proficiency in English.

Thus, the study may be said to confirm the hypothesis.

It further suggests that the kind of procedures and instructions used in achieving the positive improvement in the learners' proficiency in English should be made a part of the English Language Teaching Program at the level of university generally.

Besides, teachers should select the right kind of teaching materials and adopt appropriate instructions and teaching techniques to motivate students to learn English.