Skkn cấp tỉnh effective strategies to enhance reading comprehension skills for the 12th graders in preparation for the 2025 national high school graduation examination

THANH HOA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING HAU LOC 4TH UPPER - SECONDARY SCHOOL EXPERIENCE INITIATIVE EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES TO ENHANCE READING COMPREHENSION SKILLS FOR THE 12 TH -GRA

THANH HOA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING

HAU LOC 4TH UPPER - SECONDARY SCHOOL

EXPERIENCE INITIATIVE

EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES TO ENHANCE READING COMPREHENSION SKILLS FOR THE 12 TH -GRADERS IN PREPARATION FOR THE 2025 NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION EXAMINATION

The writer: Nguyen Thi Uyen Position: Teacher

Subject: English

THANH HOA, 2025

CONTENTS

Pages

1 Opening of the theme……… 1

1.1 Reason for choosing the theme……… 1

1.2 Purpose of the subject……… 1

1.3 Research subject……….… 1

1.4 New factors of the study……… ……… 2

1.5 Research methodology……… … 2

2 The content of the experience initiative……… 2

2.1 Theoretical basis of the experience initiative……… 2

2.2 Current changes in Reading Comprehension……… 2

2.3 Proposed strategies……… …… 3

2.4 The effectiveness of the experience……… …… 13

3 Conclusion and recommendations……… 16

3.1 Conclusion………….……….……… …… 16

3.2 Recommendations……… … 17

References

Category of evaluated experience initiative

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1 OPENING OF THE THEME

1.1 REASONS FOR CHOOSING THE THEME

Proficiency in reading comprehension is integral to success in the English component of the national high school graduation examination Given the modifications to the 2025 exam structure, the reading section retains its critical function, demanding advanced analytical skills, information synthesis, and strategic test-taking approaches

Nevertheless, pedagogical observations indicate that students frequently encounter challenges in reading comprehension stemming from insufficient lexical knowledge, weak inferential abilities, and poor time allocation These deficiencies lead to suboptimal performance, adversely impacting overall examination outcomes Consequently, investigating interventions to augment reading proficiency is imperative for elevating achievement and maximizing scores

This study adopts the following research focus to facilitate students' more

competent engagement with reading tasks: "EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES TO ENHANCE READING COMPREHENSION SKILLS FOR THE 12TH- GRADERS IN PREPARATION FOR THE 2025 NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION EXAMINATION"

1.2 PURPOSE OF RESEARCH

The purpose of the research is focusing on some strategic interventions to enhance reading comprehension skills in the English exam for the 12th- graders The purpose of the research can be outlined as follows:

- Diagnose prevalent obstacles in reading comprehension tasks

- Formulate targeted pedagogical strategies to improve reading proficiency

- Instruct students in the application of evidence-based reading techniques

Augment comprehension accuracy and examination scores for the 2025 cohort

1.3 RESEARCH SUBJECT

Target group: The students of the classes 12A1, 12A2, 12A7 at Hau Loc 4th Upper secondary school preparing for the 2025 National Graduation Exam The study focuses on strategic interventions to enhance reading comprehension skills for 12th- graders at Hau Loc 4th high school in the English exam, particularly:

- Identifying main ideas

- Inferring word meanings from context

- Drawing conclusions

- Locating specific details

The study will be conducted over the school year 2024-2025 After the research, teacher finds the change of students’ competence in reading comprehension skills

1.4 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

- Document analysis: Reviewing materials on reading skills and exam structures

- Experimental method: Implementing solutions in teaching and tracking

progress

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- Survey method: Collecting feedback from students and teachers

- Comparative analysis: Evaluating results before and after intervention

1.5 NEW FACTORS OF THE STUDY

- Addresses changes in the 2025 exam format, especially the reading section

- Introduces effective reading strategies, including technology integration

- Develops tailored approaches for different question types

- Provides practical exercises to strengthen reading comprehension

2 THE CONTENT OF THE EXPERIENCE INTIATIVE

2.1 THEORETICAL BASIS OF THE EXPERIENCE INITIATIVE

Reading comprehension constitutes a foundational competency in language acquisition, particularly within high-stakes assessments such as the national graduation examination Aligned with Bloom’s Taxonomy, it transcends literal understanding to encompass analytical and evaluative cognitive processes

second-In the English examination, the reading module (45–50% of total marks) evaluates lexical knowledge, inferential reasoning, and critical engagement with textual elements Mastery of this section necessitates strategic pedagogy and deliberate skill cultivation

2.2 CURRENT CHANGES IN READING COMPREHENSION

Through classroom instructions and surveys of 12th-grade students, several prevalent difficulties in reading comprehension have been identified:

2.2.1 Limited Vocabulary Proficiency

- Students demonstrate inadequate mastery of academic and topic-specific vocabulary

- They struggle to deduce the meaning of unfamiliar words from contextual clues

2.2.2 Deficiencies in Skimming and Scanning Techniques

- Students tend to read word-by-word rather than processing phrases or sentences holistically

- Excessive time is allocated to single passages, resulting in incomplete responses to subsequent questions

2.2.3 Challenges in Main Idea Identification and Inferential Reasoning

- Difficulty distinguishing between essential information and ancillary details

- Frequent conflation of specific facts with the central thesis of the text

2.2.4 Ineffective Test-Taking Strategies

- Poor time management across different sections of the reading test

- Failure to employ fundamental reading techniques such as: Skimming (rapid identification of main ideas) and Scanning (targeted location of specific information)

2.2.5 Temporal Pressure and Examination Anxiety

- Many students experience diminished composure when encountering lengthy

or complex texts

- Psychological distress when faced with inference-based questions or

unfamiliar lexical items

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2.3 PROPOSED STRATEGIES:

2.3.1 Strategy 1: Thematic Lexical Development and Contextual Inference Training

 Why is vocabulary expansion important for reading comprehension

The reading section of the national high school graduation exam often includes academic vocabulary, fixed expressions, and figurative language Without a broad vocabulary, students struggle to understand passages and draw logical conclusion

For example, in Unit 8-Wildlife Conservation (English 12-Global Success), students may encounter terms such as:

 Methods for Context-Based Vocabulary Expansion

+ Systematic Lexical Acquisition through Thematic Organization

The English 12 textbook (Global Success) organizes vocabulary by theme, with each unit focusing on essential word groups This thematic approach helps students to connect related words more effectively and improve long-term retention

* Example of textbook themes:

- Environment (Unit 3: Green Living)

- Technology (Unit 6: Artificial Intelligence)

- Culture (Unit 2: A Multicultural World)

* Sample sentence from Unit 8 (Wildlife):

"Many species are on the verge of extinction due to habitat destruction."

Students who know "habitat" (living environment) and "destruction" (damage) can deduce "habitat destruction" means "environmental damage."

+ Contextual Lexical Inference Methodologies (Context Clues)

Effective readers employ four research-based techniques for determining unfamiliar lexemes without external references:

(1) Semantic Relations Analysis

Texts frequently employ lexical cohesion devices that reveal meaning through: Synonymy (parallel terms) and Antonym (contrasting terms)

(2) Metalinguistic Definition Identification

Academic texts often provide explicit clarifications through:

* Example:

* Example:

"Many animals, such as tigers, pandas, and rhinos, are endangered."

* Analysis: The phrase "such as" introduces examples of threatened species If students do not know the word "endangered," they can infer it relates to extinction

(4) Logical Inference Methodology

Learners may employ causal reasoning to derive lexical meaning through:

* Example:

"If illegal hunting continues, these species will disappear forever."

* Analysis: The sentence discusses negative consequences If students do not know "illegal hunting," they can deduce it means "poaching" based on the outcome described

+ Cognitive Retention through Visual Organization

- Flashcards: Use image-assisted flashcards for better retention

- Mind maps: Group words thematically for easier learning

* Example from Unit 9- Career paths (English 12-Global Success)

Picture 1: The min map of the theme: Career Paths

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* Example from Unit 8-Wildlife conservation (English 12-Global Success)

Picture 2: Guiding the student to present the mind map

Picture 3: The student is presenting the mind map

This visual representation helps students understand word relationships

 Practical applications into the reading part of National graduation

exam

National exam vocabulary questions typically follow this format:

* Question: "The word ‘vulnerable’ in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to:

A endangered B safe C harmful D aggressive

* Analysis:

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If students don't know the word "vulnerable", they should return to paragraphs and look at the surrounding context If the text is discussing animal species at risk of extinction, students can guess that "vulnerable" means something similar

to "endangered" (under threat)

Contextual inference competency enhances both temporal efficiency and response precision in examination performance

* Example in Unit 9- Career paths:

Picture 4: The closest meaning to the highlighted word

 Daily Vocabulary Development Practices:

+ Engaging with Authentic English Texts beyond the Curriculum

Regularly read reputable English-language news outlets such as BBC News and The Guardian to encounter authentic, high-frequency vocabulary in real-world contexts

Explore English literature and novels to experience vocabulary usage in rich, natural linguistic settings

+ Utilizing Digital Tools for Vocabulary Acquisition

Leverage platforms like Quizlet and Anki to create personalized flashcards and engage in daily spaced-repetition review sessions

Practice with BBC Learning English and Duolingo to reinforce vocabulary acquisition through contextual listening and interaction

In conclusion, contextual vocabulary expansion significantly enhances students’ reading comprehension speed and accuracy during examinations Rather than memorizing isolated words, students are encouraged to build thematic vocabulary clusters, apply contextual inference strategies, and maintain consistent daily practice

Implementing this approach fosters greater confidence in tackling reading comprehension tasks and contributes to improved performance in the National High School Graduation Examination

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2.3.2 Strategy 2: Strengthening Skimming and Scanning Skills to Optimize Test-Taking Time

 The Rationale for Employing “Skimming” & “Scanning” Techniques:

In the context of the National High School Graduation Examination,

students often encounter difficulty navigating lengthy reading passages under

constrained time limits Reading line by line can be inefficient and may result in unfinished sections

The dual strategies of Skimming (rapid reading for gist) and Scanning (targeted reading for details) enable learners to quickly extract relevant information, thereby enhancing response accuracy These techniques are especially effective when applied to reading texts in the Grade 12 English textbook (Global Success series), allowing for efficient identification of central ideas and critical data

 Skimming: Rapid Reading for General Understanding

* What is “Skimming”?

“Skimming” involves swiftly reading through a passage to grasp the overall message without delving into every word

* Situations where Skimming Is Useful:

- When responding to questions that ask for the main idea

- When selecting the most suitable title for a passage

* Implementation steps:

- Begin by reading the passage title to establish the general subject

- Focus on the opening and concluding sentences of each paragraph

- Isolate and concentrate on key terms, disregarding less critical details

Example from Unit 9 – Career Paths:

An extended passage designed to reinforce and broaden vocabulary through terms sourced from the official curriculum:

"Choosing the right career path is one of the most important decisions in life Many factors influence career choices, including personal interests, skills, and job market demand While some people choose careers based on passion, others prioritize financial stability and job security."

* Sample Question:

"What is the main idea of the passage?"

A The importance of choosing a career

B The best jobs for young people

C How to find a high-paying job

D The disadvantages of choosing a wrong career

Apply the skimming technique to identify the correct answer

The first sentence clearly emphasizes the importance of career selection

* Correct answer: A

Practice 1:

When people talk about success, they often think of money and fame However, success can mean different things to different people For some, it means achieving personal goals or helping others

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* Question: What is the main idea of the passage?

A Success is only about being famous

B Success means the same to everyone

C Success can have various meanings

D Success is not important in life

* Correct answer: C

Practice 2:

Technology has changed the way we communicate In the past, people wrote letters or used landline phones Today, we use emails, messaging apps, and video calls

* Question: What is the passage mainly about?

A The history of telephone use

B How technology affects communication

C People who do not use technology

D The invention of email

* Appropriate Contexts for Scanning:

- Answering questions that ask for specific details

- Determining the meaning of a word within context

* Execution Guidelines:

- Identify keywords in the given question

- Search the passage for these keywords or their equivalents

- Examine the sentence containing the keyword to determine the correct answer

* Example from Unit 6 – Artificial Intelligence:

Extended paragraph:

"In 1997, the world was amazed when IBM’s supercomputer Deep Blue defeated world chess champion Garry Kasparov Since then, artificial intelligence has evolved rapidly, assisting in fields like healthcare, finance, and transportation."

* Sample Question:

"When did Deep Blue defeat Garry Kasparov?"

- Keywords: Deep Blue, Garry Kasparov, year

- Locate “Deep Blue” in the passage

- The year 1997 is explicitly mentioned

2.3.3 Strategy 3: Recognizing Paragraph Structures for More Efficient Information Retrieval

 The Importance of Identifying Paragraph Structures:

In the English reading comprehension component of the National High School Graduation Examination, texts are frequently constructed using conventional paragraph frameworks such as cause–effect, comparison–contrast, elaboration of a central idea, and exemplification The ability to discern these structural patterns enables students to locate answers efficiently without resorting to rereading the passage in full

This technique not only conserves valuable test time but also enhances the student’s ability to follow the logical development of the text Many passages in the Global Success Grade 12 English textbook are deliberately structured in these formats, and the skillful recognition of such patterns allows for more accurate and confident responses

 Common Structural Patterns in Reading Comprehension Passages

+ Structure Type 1: Cause and Effect

This structure outlines a specific situation or issue, followed by an explanation

of its cause or consequences

* Signaling Language:

- Cause: because, due to, since, as, the reason for

- Effect: therefore, thus, as a result, consequently, so

* Example from Unit 2 - A Multicultural World:

"Due to the rapid spread of Western culture, traditional customs in some Asian countries are fading As a result, many young people no longer follow their ancestors' traditions and prefer modern lifestyles."

* Sample Question:

"Why are traditional customs disappearing in some Asian countries?"

*Analysis:

The keyword in the question: "traditional customs disappearing"

The phrase “Due to the rapid spread of Western culture” clearly indicates

the primary cause

* The correct answer: Because of the spread of Western culture

Some practical exercises of Cause and Effect:

Practice 1:

"Air pollution has increased in many cities One major reason is the growing number of vehicles on the roads, which release harmful gases into the air"