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Eun-Young Jeon |
A Study on Extensive Reading Using Authentic Books in a University English Reading Class |
전은영 |
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Abstract |
Despite its attested benefits, ER is still rarely practiced in Korean university settings. One of the realistic difficulties in ER practice is setting up a library equipped with graded readers. Thus, the current study used authentic books of students’ choice instead of graded readers as ER materials and compared their outcomes. The results showed that ER using authentic books improved Korean university students’ reading rate and decreased their reading anxiety although reading comprehension and reading motivation did not increase significantly. Also, the students reported the benefits of ER as development of English reading proficiency, natural exposure to the target language, and increased interest in English language and its culture. The major drawbacks of ER were time lack and unknown vocabulary. In sum, ER using authentic books showed similar positive results as in ER using graded readers. Moreover, it is easier, more fun, and costless to administer than ER using graded readers. |
Key Words:
extensive reading, authentic English books, reading comprehension, reading rate, anxiety, motivation, response |
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