AN INVESTIGATION INTO DIFFICULTIES IN ENGLISH READING COMPREHENSION OF ENGLISH-MAJORED FRESHMEN AT A UNIVERSITY IN VIETNAM

Abstract

Reading comprehension skill is considered one of the four fundamental language skills that students learning English as a Foreign Language must perform. Nevertheless, it is not a straightforward skill since most learners encounter many difficulties with reading. The purpose of this present work is to identify their reading problems and the possible reasons behind their difficulties in comprehending texts. A questionnaire and an interview have been employed as research instruments for English-majored freshmen at Hanoi University of Industry. The results reveal that most of the learners struggle with reading comprehension of texts regarding vocabulary, background knowledge, and reading strategies. The main reasons for the reading difficulties include a lack of reading habits, encountering unfamiliar types of texts, and a lack of motivation for reading. By identifying these challenges, this study provides valuable insights that can inform the development of effective interventions and instructional strategies to enhance reading comprehension among learners.