An Investigation into the Reading Abilities in English of Chinese College English Major Students: A Case Study

Abstract

In fact, many Chinese students still have great difficulties in reading comprehension even after many years of English learning. Thus, the objectives of this survey study were 1) To identify the reading abilities of 285 Chinese college English major students from Year 1 to Year 4. and 2) To compare the reading abilities of students studying in Year 1 to Year 4 of a Chinese college in terms of compares their strengths and weaknesses in reading. The participants including 285 English major students from Yunnan Minzu University. A standardized English Reading Test was the main instrument used to identify the reading ability levels of these four groups. The questionnaire collects the factors that influence students’ reading speed in the test. Semi-structured interviews used to collect the students’ thoughts and opinions about the test. The findings of the study revealed that the English reading abilities of Year 1 students were significantly lower than upper years. According to the questionnaires, both junior students and senior students believed that their weak reading abilities lay in the lack of vocabulary and reading strategies. Judging from the semi-structured interview data, students' poor English reading ability is not only due to their own problems but also due to teachers' neglect of reading strategy training and incorrect teaching methods. According to the study, students can find useful ways to improve their English reading abilities and teachers can find ways to support their students and design teaching and learning in the future.