Reading Preferences of Yemeni Undergraduate EFL Learners

Abstract

This study investigated the reading preferences of freshmen and sophomores female English students at the University of Science and Technology (UST), Sana’a, during the year 2010-2011. It tried to find out any significant differences between students regarding reading motives, reasons for not to read, things they read and what they prefer to read about. The researchers adapted a reading habits questionnaire; and after checking its validity and reliability, it was distributed to 100 students at the UST. The main  findings revealed that there were significant differences between level one and level two students in all the categories of the questionnaire; the most frequent motive of level one students for reading was for education while level two students' first motive was pleasure. Watching TV was found to be the most common reason that hindered students of both levels from reading. It was therefore recommended that EFL reading teachers take into consideration students' reading preferences and show them how to select and read any reading material of their interest. This might contribute to developing the habit of reading for pleasure that would ultimately have a positive impact on their performance.         

Keywords:  Reading preferences, Reading comprehension, Reading habits, Reading workshop.