The Relationship between Vocabulary Size and Reading Comprehension of ESL Learners

Engku Ibrahim, Engku Haliza and Isarji, Sarudin and Ainon Jariah, Muhamad (2016) The Relationship between Vocabulary Size and Reading Comprehension of ESL Learners. English Language Teaching, 9 (2). pp. 116-123. ISSN 1916-4742

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Abstract

There are many factors that contribute to one’s ability to read effectively. Vocabulary size is one important factor that enhances reading comprehension. The purpose of the study is to examine the relationship between students’ reading comprehension skills and their vocabulary size. A total of 129 pre-university students undergoing an intensive English language programme at a public university in Malaysia participated in this study. A correlational analysis was employed to ascertain the relationship between scores in the reading comprehension component of the institutionalised English Proficiency Test (EPT) and the Vocabulary Levels Tests (Nation, 1990). Based on Pearson product moment correlation coefficient, there was a moderate correlation (r=0.641) between scores in the EPT reading comprehension and Vocabulary Levels Tests. The relationship was statistically significant at p<0.01 level. The findings also indicate that all students (100%) were able to fulfil the minimum admission requirements for the reading skill (Band 5.5) in the EPT even though only half of the students (54.3%) reached the mastery level at the 5,000 word level. The findings provide useful insights into the prediction of ESL students’ performance in reading and the teaching of vocabulary in the ESL context.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	1357/48198
Subjects:	L Education > L Education (General) P Language and Literature > PE English
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Centre for Languages and Pre-University Academic Development (CELPAD) > English Language Division Centre for Languages and Pre-University Academic Development (CELPAD)
Depositing User:	Assoc. Prof. Datin Dr. Engku Haliza Engku Ibrahim
Date Deposited:	14 Jan 2016 15:16
Last Modified:	15 May 2020 02:01
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/48198

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