Rationale
English is the most widely spoken language globally and serves as a crucial tool for international communication across various sectors Increasingly, English learners view proficiency in the language as essential for their future success and career advancement.
In Vietnam, English is a compulsory subject in schools, and freshmen at Tay Do University must master reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, with reading being particularly crucial Reading enriches students' general knowledge, enhances expression skills, and expands vocabulary As a result, many learners seek effective reading methods, with English newspapers emerging as a popular choice due to their clear and direct writing style These newspapers use everyday language, helping students improve vocabulary, reading skills, and speed while providing authentic language for daily conversations Additionally, English newspapers cater to students' interests, making reading enjoyable and serving as a personal English classroom that fosters higher proficiency in the language.
Aware of its importance, I decided to select "A study on the benefits of reading English newspaper to expand the English reading capacity of English majored freshman at Tay
Do University" as my research topic.
The significance of study
This research paper highlights the findings of linguistic experts on the benefits of reading newspapers and its impact on developing reading skills It serves as a crucial resource for language learners, emphasizing the significant role that newspaper reading plays in their education Additionally, the paper offers valuable suggestions for reading techniques that can enhance students' reading abilities.
The organization of study
The thesis is divided into 4 chapters:
Definition of Reading
The term "reading" is commonly utilized, yet its definition varies based on different activities and goals at various grade levels Consequently, a single definition cannot encompass all perspectives and characteristics of reading Each individual's definition is shaped by their personal understanding and experience of what reading signifies to them.
I would like to mention some definitions of reading extracted from different sources on the theme
Reading is an active problem-solving process that requires predicting the author's message based on anticipated story events, as noted by Walker (1992:37) It involves recalling personal life experiences to enhance comprehension of the text.
According to Hill and Holden (1990:91), reading is a crucial skill for students, significantly enhancing their comprehension of texts It provides immediate feedback, allowing learners to grasp the content effectively Reading is fundamentally a process that enables individuals to see and understand the written material.
Elias and Ingram (1977) define reading as the process of extracting meaning from visual representations, emphasizing that it should not be a tedious letter-by-letter decoding Instead, effective reading involves generating alternative meanings, refined through the efficient interaction of various cognitive processes with the visual input.
From those opinions, reading is considered a process in which a reader looks at and understands what has been written out.
Definitions of reading comprehension
Concerning to reading, there are many definitions of reading comprehension I summarize definion as below:
Reading comprehension, as defined by Van den Broek & Espin (2012), is the ability to read and understand a text, which is essential for success in life Effective readers not only grasp the content but also enhance their learning through texts This process involves creating a mental representation of the text's meaning, highlighting the importance of reading comprehension in understanding written material, as noted by Meneghetti, Carretti, & De Beni.
(2006) reading comprehension is a complicated process by nature, which requires readers to integrate their knowledge with the information in the text
Reading comprehension is an intentional and interactive process that takes place before, during, and after reading a text It is a fundamental aspect of reading that involves complex cognitive processes, where individuals utilize their understanding of phonemes, phonics, and the ability to construct meaning from the text This ability to comprehend cannot function independently and relies on the integration of phonemic awareness and phonics to fully grasp the material.
Reading comprehension, as defined by Grellet (1981:3), involves efficiently extracting necessary information from a written text This process focuses on decoding the meanings of word combinations to enhance understanding and facilitate effective reading.
According to Kendeou and Trevors (2012), reading comprehension relies on the effective implementation and integration of cognitive processes To grasp a sentence, readers must process visual words, identify semantic meanings, and link these meanings to understand the sentence's core message Similarly, comprehending an entire text requires readers to process and connect various ideas to create a coherent narrative Successful comprehension is influenced by multiple factors, including the characteristics of the reader, the attributes of the text, and the specific reading requirements.
Reading comprehension goes beyond merely understanding written words; it involves connecting the text to personal experiences, emotions, beliefs, and critical evaluations According to various authors, this process allows readers to derive meaning from the printed page, utilizing their knowledge to engage with the content Consequently, effective reading comprehension does not require grasping every word but rather entails actively engaging with the text to efficiently extract essential information.
The atititude of reading
Reading is a crucial aspect of education, and fostering a positive reading attitude among students is essential for their development David (1986) defines attitude as a learned predisposition to respond positively or negatively to various stimuli, including reading According to Logan and Johnstone (2009), a student's attitude towards reading significantly influences their reading achievement and engagement in class activities, ultimately determining their ability to become independent readers Consequently, cultivating positive attitudes and a healthy self-concept regarding reading is a primary goal of reading curricula worldwide.
The importance of reading comprehension
Reading comprehension is vital for everyday life, as it forms a key part of functional literacy Researchers emphasize its importance, highlighting that the inability to understand essential information, such as medication dosage instructions or safety warnings, can have serious consequences Mastering reading comprehension not only enables individuals to live safely and productively but also supports their ongoing social, emotional, and intellectual development.
Reading and comprehension are inherently connected, as effective reading leads to better understanding Reading is primarily a personal activity, and with it comes the ability to comprehend the material To fully grasp a text's message, various reading skills are essential, including identifying the main idea, recognizing cause-and-effect relationships, determining the sequence of events, predicting outcomes, noting supporting details, retelling stories, outlining, and summarizing These skills collectively enhance one's ability to understand and engage with the content.
How to reading efficiently
Basically, there are ways to read: aloud reading and silent reading Depending on the purpose of reading, we can classify reading into aloud reading, silent reading, skimming, and scanning
Reading aloud is an uncommon practice, as most individuals do not engage in it during everyday life, making it challenging for speakers to fully grasp the meaning of the text Doff (1988:67) emphasizes that reading aloud requires not only visual engagement with the text but also comprehension and vocal expression, highlighting that its purpose extends beyond personal understanding to effectively communicate the text's implications to others.
Reading aloud in language classes enhances pronunciation skills and comprehension It allows learners to focus on word pronunciation and aids in retention As students encounter unfamiliar vocabulary while reading, verbalizing the text helps them learn correct pronunciations independently.
Aloud reading is commonly utilized by beginners in language learning, but it is often limited in higher grades due to several factors One major reason is that learners tend to read slowly while concentrating on pronunciation, which can hinder their ability to grasp the overall meaning of the text or complete exercises in a timely manner Additionally, students' focus on pronunciation can impede their comprehension of the material As noted by Lewis and Hill (1995:110), when learners read aloud, they may struggle to fully understand the content, as they might read accurately without comprehending what they have read.
In the initial phase of learning a foreign language, incorporating reading aloud is crucial for beginners, as it aids in grasping the correct stress and intonation of words and phrases within sentences.
Silent reading is considered by Broughton and Brumfit to be the most effective method for grasping the true essence of reading It enables readers to achieve optimal comprehension of written materials in the least amount of time.
Scanning is a necessary technique in reading efficiently Brown (2001:308) defines scanning as follows: “Scanning was quickly searching for some particular piece or pieces of information in a text”
Skimming is a reading technique that involves quickly glancing through a text to grasp its main ideas and overall purpose This method allows readers to predict the content and identify key supporting concepts According to Williams (1984), skimming entails rapidly sampling various sections of a text to summarize its general content He highlights that practicing skimming not only aids in understanding but also helps learners develop effective study techniques, organize their thoughts, and clarify their focus on essential information.
Skimming is an effective study technique that aids learners in organizing their thoughts and identifying key information from a book, leading to more efficient reading Therefore, incorporating skimming into reading instruction can provide students with a comprehensive overview of the material they encounter.
Definition of Newspapers
A newspaper is a regular publication, released daily or weekly, that features a variety of content including local and international news, advertisements, opinions, cartoons, sports updates, and television listings It serves as a vital source of information, keeping the public informed about events in their community and worldwide Despite technological advancements, newspapers remain a significant part of daily life Understanding the different sections of a newspaper is essential, with the front page highlighting the most important stories of the day.
Types of newspaper
A printed newspaper is a publication that features news, information, and advertising, typically on economical newsprint, and can be general or specialized, with a usual frequency of daily or weekly releases Newspapers cover a wide range of topics, including political events, crime, culture, sports, and health, while also offering entertainment through comic strips, humorous stories, and crosswords.
An online newspaper, or web newspaper, is defined as a publication available on the Internet, evolving from traditional printed newspapers Many modern printed newspapers now utilize the Internet to publish articles, enabling them to compete effectively with other media by delivering breaking news promptly and attracting a larger readership Despite the differences in format, both online and printed newspapers provide similar benefits to readers, which we will explore further.
How to read newspaper
Reading the newspaper can be approached in various ways, starting with finding an English newspaper that piques interest Readers should focus on headlines and the introductory and concluding paragraphs for a quick overview of global events Selecting specific articles of interest for deeper reading is essential, and making this a daily habit can greatly enhance reading skills Additionally, regular newspaper reading helps students expand their vocabulary and stay informed about current affairs.
Benefits of reading newspaper
Newspapers serve as a valuable educational resource, enhancing reading skills and providing supplementary material across various subjects, including geography, language, art, and science They offer students insights into fascinating people and places, enriching their knowledge and understanding of the world Reading newspapers brings numerous benefits, making them an essential tool for learners.
Doris Barber (2001) emphasizes the importance of reading weekly articles to enhance smooth reading and comprehension, allowing readers to stay informed about current events By summarizing newspaper stories, we can focus on key information, reinforcing the need for regular newspaper reading to remain updated on world happenings.
Enhancing vocabulary is essential for language learners, particularly those studying English Reading English newspapers is an effective way to broaden one's vocabulary According to Hoang Hoa (2002), engaging with newspapers not only introduces new words but also exposes readers to a variety of topics, thereby strengthening their overall language skills.
Reading newspapers significantly enhances reading skills, as noted by Hoang Hoa (2002) By engaging with this medium, individuals can effectively apply the reading techniques learned in school, ultimately leading to improved comprehension and understanding.
Newspapers serve as a vital source of information, covering a wide range of topics including politics, sports, business, education, entertainment, science, and technology They provide readers with the latest news and updates, enhancing their knowledge and keeping them informed about both national and international issues This comprehensive coverage is beneficial for those looking to stay current in various fields of interest.
Newspapers offer a wide range of content beyond global political news, including economics, sports, entertainment, lifestyle, and health For English learners, exposure to various sentence structures in newspapers aids in developing a solid understanding of grammar This familiarity not only enhances readers' confidence in expressing their ideas but also improves their accuracy in communication.
Reading newspapers allows readers to gather diverse information from various sources, enhancing their ability to synthesize data for essays effectively This process not only benefits readers by providing a wealth of knowledge but also improves their argumentative skills and judgment, leading to more accurate conclusions.
Reading newspapers enhances judgment skills by providing diverse information from various sources This practice enables readers to analyze situations and unexpected events effectively Over time, they develop the ability to identify problems and make informed decisions, leading to improved analytical and judgment capabilities.
Previous studies
Previously many studies have been conducted in the field of newspaper reading Researchers all over the world have contributed through their findings and recommendations
Gough and Tunmer (1986) highlight two essential elements of effective reading: the accurate recognition of words on the page and the simultaneous comprehension of the underlying message or content.
To read effectively, students must grasp the principle of letters, which involves understanding the predictable and reversible connections between spoken sounds (phonemes) and written letters Current research supports that the most effective method for teaching reading and spelling is a structured, integrated, and systematically taught pronunciation program that offers numerous opportunities for practice and application (NICHD, 2005; Rose, 2006; Hattie, 2009).
According to Plaut (2005), as children enhance their reading skills, it is essential to teach them the interrelated concepts of spelling, morphology, and semantics to ensure accurate reading and spelling However, the most effective methods for teaching reading comprehension have not been thoroughly researched or documented, despite the recognized importance of strategies aimed at improving reading accuracy.
According to Cheyney (1982), newspapers serve as essential resources for current information on various affairs, enhancing readers' vocabulary and background knowledge (Strommen and Mates, 2004) This practice not only strengthens reading skills but also fosters a greater enjoyment of reading Additionally, research by Palmer and Eriksen (1999) indicates that reading newspapers positively influences students' overall attitudes towards reading.
A study by Bndaka (2007) demonstrated that reading newspaper articles significantly enhances the reading skills of senior high school students, particularly among a group of thirty 15-year-old monolingual Greek students Mylopoulos (1985) supports this, stating that reading English newspapers provides crucial educational support for language development The Academic American Encyclopedia (1989) defines newspapers as regular publications designed to inform, influence, and entertain readers Furthermore, Newton (1993) found that engaging with English newspapers aids learners in expanding their vocabulary and honing their reading skills, enabling them to effectively scan texts and grasp key ideas.
Research aims – Research questions – research hypotheses
In today's world, the significance of reading in English language learning has gained recognition among students As they progress, learners understand that reading is essential to their development One effective method to enhance reading skills is through reading newspapers, which offers numerous advantages This article aims to highlight the benefits of incorporating newspaper reading into the learning process for students.
To support this thesis, questionnaires were administered to English learners, particularly freshmen majoring in English at Tay Do University The aim was to gather insights into their reading experiences and to explore the benefits of reading newspapers in enhancing their English reading skills.
The research is required to address the following research questions:
1/ Does English newspaper expand reading capacity of English-majored freshmen at Tay Do University?
2/ To what extend does it benefit the learners?
Based on the literature review and the research questions above, it is hypothezed that English newspaper increases reading capacity of English-majored freshmen at Tay Do
University It is also hypothesized that English newspaper brings a lot of benefits for them.
Research design
This study utilizes a descriptive qualitative research design to explore the benefits of English newspapers for readers, drawing on insights from previous studies The author randomly selected 40 participants to gather their perspectives on the advantages of reading English newspapers Various data collection methods, including observation, interviews, and data delivery, were employed to facilitate comprehensive data generation.
Participants
The study involves forty freshmen English majors from Tay Do University, comprising 20 female and 20 male students aged 19 to 20 All participants are native Vietnamese speakers learning English as a foreign language, focusing on reading skills at the start of their course A questionnaire was administered to assess their opinions on the impact of newspapers on their reading abilities.
Instruments
To carry out this study, the following instruments are used:
A survey questionnaire was conducted among 40 freshmen at Tay Do University to assess the impact of reading English newspapers on their reading capacity and attitudes towards reading skills The findings aim to determine whether engaging with English newspapers enhances students' reading abilities.
Class observation serves as a valuable tool for assessing the teaching and learning processes involved in reading Through this method, the author can evaluate the reading performance of first-year students at Tay Do University.
Prior to the survey, the author reviewed documents on the impact of reading newspapers and its role in enhancing English language skills, as noted by linguistic researchers Newspapers serve as effective tools for improving reading abilities, and the author acknowledges the numerous benefits that reading English newspapers offers to learners To facilitate this survey, the author has developed a comprehensive questionnaire.
Question 1 to 3 Students’ background of learning reading
Question 4 to 6 Students’ attitudes towards reading English newspaper
Question 7 to 11 Benefits of reading English newspaper on vocabulary
Question 12 to 16 Benefits of reading English newspaper on reading skills
Question 17 to 18 Benefits on entertainment of different fields
The study involves designing a questionnaire and conducting classroom observations during reading classes to gain insights into student performance Through these observations, the author documents various situations encountered in the learning process, facilitating easier data analysis This observational approach enhances the paper's credibility and supports its conclusions.
Procedure
Regarding the procedure of this paper, the author relies on the actual situation when surveying to classify the activities in the research process in the most reasonable way
- Finding out the documents or research related to the benefits of using newspapers in improving the capacity of learners
- Designing the frame work of the research
Week 3 – Week 4 - Designing the questionnaire based on the research documents
Week 5 – Week 8 - Make the survey by delivering the questionnaire
- Collect the information from the quetionnaire
- Observating the majored fresman during class
- Recording and noting the collected information when observating
Week 10 – Week 12 - Analysis the data basesd on the collected information
This chapter summarizes the report on the advantages of reading English newspapers for enhancing the English reading skills of freshman students majoring at Tay Do University, outlining the anticipated outcomes of this research.
In today's rapidly evolving world, mastering English is essential for everyone, particularly for English major freshmen at Tay Do University who need to enhance their language skills This research focuses on developing students' reading abilities, emphasizing the importance of reading English newspapers as a key strategy for improving their English proficiency The study posits that engaging with articles provides significant advantages for students, especially those at Tay Do University.
A recent study from Do University highlights the numerous benefits of reading newspapers for learners, particularly in enhancing their English skills Despite recognizing that newspaper reading can improve vocabulary and grammar, many students do not engage with print media regularly Additionally, frequent reading not only broadens their knowledge across various fields but also provides a valuable leisure activity during class time Overall, this research underscores the significant advantages that reading newspapers offers to students.
Research indicates that many English majors struggle with unfamiliar vocabulary while reading newspapers, often skipping over unknown words This tendency can hinder comprehension, especially as freshmen may prioritize enjoyment over understanding and neglect to ask questions during their reading Nonetheless, some students have developed a habit of noting down unfamiliar words to enhance their vocabulary.
This study reveals that reading newspapers significantly benefits English language learners The researcher aims for this paper to offer valuable insights for freshmen majoring in English.
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Ahmmed, R (2016) Effectiveness of reading English newspapers for improving vocabulary and reading skills of students of Dhaka University Bangladesh: The Millennium University
Bndaka, E (2007) Using newspaper articles to develop students reading skills in senior high school The Reading Matrix, 7 (1), 166-175
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Internet online: http://fajarwatiagustian25.blogspot.com/2013/06/developing-reading- comprehension-by.html
My name is Huynh Hong Ngoc, a senior at the Foreign Language Department of Tay Do University I sincerely appreciate your time and support in completing my questionnaire, which is crucial for my research on "The Benefits of Reading English Newspapers to Enhance the English Reading Skills of Freshmen Majoring in English at Tay Do University." Your responses will provide valuable insights for my study, so please take a moment to fill it out thoughtfully Thank you once again for your assistance.
Please a tick () in the brackets or fill in the information
Please read the following questions carefully and circle the appropriate answer for each question Give specific answer if needed
1 How long have you studied English? ……….years
2 Where are you from? a Urban area/city b Rural area/countryside
3 What do you think of learning reading skill? a Very important b Important as other language skills c Less important than other language skill d Not important at all
4 How often do you read newspaper to expand your reading capapacity? a Always b Very often c Somes times d Rarely
5 How long have you been reading English newspaper? a 6 months b A year c More than a year d Other:………
6 What is your opinion about reading texts in English textbook? a Interesting b Suitable to student’ level c Boring d Not suitable to students’ level
7 When you meet unknown words in newspaper, what do you often do? a Check dictionary b Guess it c Skip it d Associate with other words
Please read these sentences below and tick () the box which suitable for your opinion