The Effects of Control for Ability Level on EFL Reading of Graded Readers


  •  Udorn Wan-a-rom    

Abstract

The study was aimed to examine how EFL learners of English reacted to graded readers in terms of reading strategy use, comprehension, speed, and attitude as well as motivation when control for ability level was determined. Eighty Thai high school students placed into their own reading level of graded readers by the scores gained from the graded reading-vocabulary size test (Wan-a-rom, 2010) participated in a six-week-extensive reading project. Through observations, semi-structured interviews, book journals, and post-reading questionnaires, it was found that both male and female participants increased the use of strategies. When moving through other graded readers at the same level the numbers of strategies utilized by males and females were different at the 0.05 level of significance and the time spent on reading decreased on average. Evidently, comprehension, attitude and motivation were cultivated. Interesting information about students’ interaction with graded readers was found and discussed for pedagogical practice.



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