The Effectiveness of an Extensive Reading Program in Developing Saudi EFL University Students’ Reading Comprehension

Abstract:

The present study explored the effect on an extensive reading program on the reading comprehension of Saudi EFL university students. The sample of the study consisted of 54 students randomly chosen from King Saud University and assigned to an experimental and a control group of 27 students each. Pre- and posttest data were collected within a three months period. Both groups, the experiment group and the control group, were taught by the researcher. The researcher assessed the effect of extensive reading on the reading comprehension of the participants. The findings showed that the experiment group outperformed the control group in reading comprehension. This supported the positive effect of extensive reading on EFL learners’ reading comprehension. Implications and suggestions for further research are reported.