DESIGNING SUPPLEMENTARY READING EXERCISES TO ENHANCE READING PERFORMANCE FOR 10TH GRADERS

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to discover whether supplemental reading tasks are suitable to 10th graders at a local upper secondary school in Vietnam and whether implementing such tasks is effective to enhance their reading performance. A series of additional reading exercises was designed on the basis of the English 10 Textbook used in that school. A group of 15 students took part in a 7-week intervention in which they were required to complete 2 or 3 reading assignments each week and take a reading test before and after the treatment. In addition, a questionnaire was sent to the students to gain some insights about their opinions towards the materials. The findings of the pre-test and post-test indicated that the students' reading skills had improved significantly after they used the supplementary reading exercises. According to the results of the questionnaires, the materials provided were adequate and suited for 10th graders who want to improve their reading skills. This study also revealed that these supplemental materials appeal 10th graders' interests in improving their reading performances. As a result, it is proposed that a more frequent utilization of supplementary reading exercises should be provided in reading instruction to improve the reading performance of 10th graders.