Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Analysing English for Science and Technology Reading Texts Using Flesch Reading Ease Online Formula: The Preparation for Academic Reading

  • Conference paper
  • First Online:
Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Emerging Technologies and Intelligent Systems (ICETIS 2022)

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems ((LNNS,volume 573))

  • 736 Accesses

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the Yemeni Senior Secondary School curriculum in preparing students for academic reading at the tertiary level. In this qualitative study, the data used comprised all reading comprehension texts in the English for Science and Technology (EST) senior secondary school textbook, and the reading instructional design was analyzed in terms of the types, readability level, and grade level of the texts. The types of reading texts were analyzed by calculating the percentages of narrative versus expository texts, Flesch Reading Ease (FRES) readability test and the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level test were used to analyze the readability level, and the length of reading texts was calculated based on Leslie and Caldwell’s Qualitative Reading Inventory (QRI 3 & 4). The findings showed a clear gap between the academic level of reading texts and the reading texts at the senior secondary school level. Approximately, all of the reading texts were found to be far below the grade level in terms of length and ability level. Moreover, not enough emphasis was given to the expository texts. The findings suggest that the Yemeni EST Senior Secondary Reading curriculum is one of the possible causes of the reading problems faced by Yemeni learners at the tertiary level. The researchers suggested a revision of the EST Senior Secondary reading instructional design.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 189.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 249.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Harishini, S., Lubna Ali, M., Asra, A.: Challenges associated with E- Learning among ESL undergraduates in Malaysia: a conceptual framework. Int. J. Manag. Hum. Sci. (IJMHS) 4(4), 30–38 (2020)

    Google Scholar 

  2. Shalini, A., Lubna Ali, M., Nithiyaroobi, K.: Code switching phenomenon in english language classrooms at the tertiary level. Int. J. Manag. Hum. Sci. (IJMHS) 3(1), 35–42 (2019)

    Google Scholar 

  3. Budiarti, N.I.: The readability level of english reading texts for grade VIII students of SMP Negeri 1 Jetis Bantul in the academic year of 2014/2015. Department of English Language Education Faculty of Languages and Arts State University of Yogyakarta (2014)

    Google Scholar 

  4. Saeed, M.A., Ghazali, K., Aljaberi, M.A.: A review of previous studies on ESL/EFL learners’ interactional feedback exchanges in face-to-face and computer-assisted peer review of writing. Int. J. Educ. Technol. High. Educ. 15(1), 1–25 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-017-0084-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Aljaberi, M.A., Alsalahi, A., Juni, M.H., Noman, S., Al-Tammemi, A.A.B., Hamat, R.A.: Efficacy of interventional programs in reducing acculturative stress and enhancing adjustment of international students to the new host educational environment: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 18(15), (2021). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18157765

  6. Mohammed, M.A.S., Al-Jaberi, M.A.: Google docs or microsoft word? Master’s students’ engagement with instructor written feedback on academic writing in a cross-cultural setting. Comput. Compos. 62, 102672 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compcom.2021.102672

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Al-Jaberi, M.A., Juni, M.H., Kadir Shahar, H., Ismail, S.I.F., Saeed, M.A., Ying, L.P.: Effectiveness of an educational intervention in reducing new international postgraduates’ acculturative stress in Malaysian Public Universities: protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial. JMIR Res Protoc. 9(2), e12950 (2020). https://doi.org/10.2196/12950

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Musheer, A.-J., Juni, M.H., Shahar, H.K., Ismail, S.I.: Acculturative stress and intention to dropout from the university among new postgraduate international student in public universities, Malaysia. Malays. J. Med. Health Sci. 15(104) (2019)

    Google Scholar 

  9. Azizi, A.R.: An analysis of the readability level of reading texts in passport to the world 2 textbook for second grade of junior high school. UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Indonesia (2015)

    Google Scholar 

  10. Sivanisswary, K., Lubna, A.M.: Predictive factors associated with online learning during COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia: a conceptual framework. Int. J. Manag. Hum. Sci. (IJMHS) 4(4), 19–29 (2020)

    Google Scholar 

  11. Abdualameer, R.T.: Effects of Text Types and Reading Strategies on Reading Comprehension Performance. University Sains Malaysia, Penang Malaysia (2016)

    Google Scholar 

  12. Kavaliauskienė, G., Anusienė, L.: Online reading and writing in English for specific purposes classes. Kalbų Studijos 17, 99–104 (2010)

    Google Scholar 

  13. Carrell, P.L.: Facilitating ESL reading by teaching text structure. TESOL Q 19(4), 727–752 (1985)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Grabe, W.: Reading-writing relations: theoretical perspectives and instructional practices. Linking literacies: Perspectives on L2 reading-writing connections, pp. 15–47 (2001)

    Google Scholar 

  15. Azizi, A.R.: An analysis of the readability level of reading texts in passport to the world 2 textbook for second grade of junior high school. FITK UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Jakarta (2015)

    Google Scholar 

  16. Levine, A., Ferenz, O., Reves, T.: EFL academic reading and modern technology: how can we turn our students into independent critical readers. TESL-EJ 4(4), 1–9 (2000)

    Google Scholar 

  17. Rahim, P.R.M.A.: Fostering reading comprehension skill among ESL tertiary level students through discourse engagement. Int. J. Adv. Appl. Sci. 4(12), 263–272 (2017)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Abdullah, N., Patil, V.: English-language teaching in Yemen: importance and challenges. Int. J. Soc. Sci. Tomorrow 1(5), 1–8 (2012)

    Google Scholar 

  19. Mourtaga, K.R.: Some reading problems of Arab EFL students. Al-Aqsa Univ. J. (Humanities Ser.) 10(2), 75–91 (2006)

    Google Scholar 

  20. Hazrimah, B.A., Harison, M.S., Lubna A.M.: An analysis of reading instructional approach at the Malaysian lower secondary school level. In: Suzanah, S., et al. (eds.) Language and Education Trends, pp. 151–73. University Sains Islam Malaysia Press, Malaysia (2015)

    Google Scholar 

  21. Huang, S.: Reading English for academic purposes–what situational factors may motivate learners to read? System 34(3), 371–383 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2006.04.006

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Fareh, S.: Challenges of teaching English in the Arab world: Why can’t EFL programs deliver as expected? Procedia. Soc. Behav. Sci. 2(2), 3600–3604 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2010.03.559

    Article  MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  23. Balfakeh, S.A.D.: Problems in reading comprehension skills among secondary school students in Yemen. Lang. India 9(10) (2009)

    Google Scholar 

  24. Almahedi, I.: Reading comprehension skills among Yemeni students: a case study. Ph.D. dissertation, Pune University, India

    Google Scholar 

  25. Pugh, S.L., Pawan, F., Antommarchi, C.: Academic literacy and the new college learner. Handbook of college reading and study strategy research, pp. 25–42. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Publishers, Mahwah, NJ, US (2000)

    Google Scholar 

  26. Mohammed, L.A., Sidek, H.M.: EST secondary school reading curriculum: the preparation for reading at tertiary level. Asian J. English Lang. Pedag. 4, 40–49 (2016)

    Google Scholar 

  27. Mohd, S.H.: EFL textbook analysis: a case study. Lang. Lit. 14(3), 27–45 (2012). https://doi.org/10.20360/G2HP4J

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Bhooth, A., Azman, H., Ismail, K.: The role of the L1 as a scaffolding tool in the EFL reading classroom. Procedia. Soc. Behav. Sci. 118, 76–84 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.02.011

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Azman, H., Bhooth, A.M., Ismail, K.: Readers reading practices Of EFL Yemeni students: recommendations for the 21st century. GEMA Online J. Lang. Stud. 13(3) (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  30. Mohammed, M.N.H.: A Critical Study of Crescent English Course for Secondary Stage in Yemen. University of Pune, India (2009)

    Google Scholar 

  31. Al-Tamimi, N.O.: The effect of direct reading strategy instruction on students’ reading comprehension, metacognitive strategy awareness, and reading attitudes among eleventh grade students in Yemen. University Sains Malaysia. Malaysia (2006)

    Google Scholar 

  32. Richards, J.C.: Curriculum development in language teaching. Cambridge University Press (2001)

    Google Scholar 

  33. Charalambous, A.C.: The Role and Use of Course Books in EFL. Online Submission (2011)

    Google Scholar 

  34. Lee, S.-M.: The development of evaluation theories for foreign language textbooks. J. Pan-Pac. Appl. Linguist. 17(2), 69–89 (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  35. Na’ama, A.: An analysis of errors made by Yemeni university students in the English consonant-clusters system. Damascus Univ. J. 27(3), 145–161 (2011)

    Google Scholar 

  36. Al-Ahdal, A.A.M.H.: ELT in Yemen and India-the need for remedial measures. Lang. India 10(11) (2010)

    Google Scholar 

  37. Pyle, N., Vasquez, A.C., Lignugaris/Kraft, B., Gillam, S.L., Reutzel, D.R., Olszewski, A., et al.: Effects of expository text structure interventions on comprehension: a meta-analysis. Read. Res. Q. 52(4), 469–501 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1002/rrq.179

  38. Hebert, M., Bohaty, J.J., Nelson, J.R., Brown, J.: The effects of text structure instruction on expository reading comprehension: a meta-analysis. J. Educ. Psychol. 108(5), 609 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Weaver, C.A., Kintsch, W.: Expository text. Handbook of reading research, pp. 230–245 (1991)

    Google Scholar 

  40. Rohmatillah, R.: Readibility level of reading texts in the english textbook entitled english alive for senior high school grade X published by Yudhistira. English Educ. J. Tadris Bahasa Inggris 7(1), 81–101 (2015)

    Google Scholar 

  41. Fetters, C., Ortlieb, E., Cheek, E., Jr.: An exploration of strategy-based reading instruction using expository science texts in the elementary grades. Stud. Literat. Lang. 2(2), 113–126 (2011)

    Google Scholar 

  42. Fludernik, M.: Genres, text types, or discourse modes? Narrat. Modalities Generic Categ. Style. 34(2), 274–292 (2000)

    Google Scholar 

  43. Richards, J.C., Schmidt, R.W.: Longman dictionary of language teaching and applied linguistics. Routledge (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  44. Izgi, U., Seker, B.S.: Comparing different readability formulas on the examples of science-technology and social science textbooks. Procedia. Soc. Behav. Sci. 46, 178–182 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.05.089

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. Mehrpour, S., Riazi, A.: The impact of text length on EFL students’ reading comprehension. Asian EFL J. 6(3), 1–13 (2004)

    Google Scholar 

  46. Zantoni, M.: The readability level of reading texts in the english textbook entitled “english on sky 2” used by the eighth grade students of smp budaya bandar lampung in the academic year of 2017/2018. UIN Raden Intan Lampung (2019)

    Google Scholar 

  47. Maryansyah, Y.: An analysis on readability of English reading texts for grade IX students at MTsN 2 Kota Bengkulu. J. English Educ. Appl. Linguist. 5(1), 69–88 (2016)

    Google Scholar 

  48. Hidayat, R.: The readability of reading texts on the English textbook. In: International Conference: Role of International Languages toward Global Education System. Indonesia (2016)

    Google Scholar 

  49. Sidek, H.M.: An analysis of the EFL secondary reading curriculum in Malaysia: approaches to reading and preparation for higher education. University of Pittsburgh (2010)

    Google Scholar 

  50. Sheehan, K.M., Kostin, I., Futagi, Y., Flor, M.: Generating automated text complexity classifications that are aligned with targeted text complexity standards. ETS Res. Report Ser. 2010(2), i–44 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2333-8504.2010.tb02235.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  51. Klare, G.R.: Measurement of Readability. University of Iowa Press, Ames, Iowa (1963)

    Google Scholar 

  52. Greenfield, J.: Readability formulas for EFL. JALT J. 26(1), 5–24 (2004). https://doi.org/10.37546/JALTJJ26.1-1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  53. DuBay, W.H.: Smart language: readers, readability, and the grading of text. Costa Mesa: Impact Information (2006)

    Google Scholar 

  54. Heydari, P.: The validity of some popular readability formulas. Mediterr. J. Soc. Sci. 3, 423–435 (2012). https://doi.org/10.5901/mjss.2012.v3n2.423

    Article  Google Scholar 

  55. Leslie, L., Caldwell, J.S.: Qualitative reading inventory. Harper Collins New York (2006)

    Google Scholar 

  56. Sani, B.B., Chik, M.N.B.W.: The reading motivation and reading strategies used by undergraduates in university Teknologi MARA Dungun, Terengganu. J. Lang. Teach. Res. 2(1) (2011)

    Google Scholar 

  57. Rottensteiner, S.: Structure, function and readability of new textbooks in relation to comprehension. Procedia. Soc. Behav. Sci. 2(2), 3892–3898 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2010.03.611

    Article  Google Scholar 

  58. Miller, D.: ESL reading textbooks vs. university textbooks: Are we giving our students the input they may need? J. English Acad. Purp. 10(1), 32–46 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeap.2010.12.002

  59. Beck, I.L., McKeown, M.G., Sinatra, G.M., Loxterman, J.A.: Revising social studies text from a text-processing perspective: evidence of improved comprehensibility. Read. Res. Q. 251–276 (1991)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of TESL, Faculty of Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities, Lincoln University College (LUC), Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

    Lubna Ali Mohammed & Antony Sheela Anmary

  2. Faculty of Nursing & Applied Sciences, Lincoln University College (LUC), Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

    Musheer Abdulwahid Aljaberi

  3. Department of English Language and Literature, Xiamen University Malaysia, Sepang, Malaysia

    Mohammed Abdulkhaleq

Authors
  1. Lubna Ali Mohammed
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Musheer Abdulwahid Aljaberi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Antony Sheela Anmary
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Mohammed Abdulkhaleq
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Lubna Ali Mohammed .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Business Analytics, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

    Mohammed A. Al-Sharafi

  2. The British University in Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    Mostafa Al-Emran

  3. Al Buraimi University College, Al Buraimi, Oman

    Mohammed Naji Al-Kabi

  4. The British University in Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    Khaled Shaalan

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2023 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this paper

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this paper

Mohammed, L.A., Aljaberi, M.A., Anmary, A.S., Abdulkhaleq, M. (2023). Analysing English for Science and Technology Reading Texts Using Flesch Reading Ease Online Formula: The Preparation for Academic Reading. In: Al-Sharafi, M.A., Al-Emran, M., Al-Kabi, M.N., Shaalan, K. (eds) Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Emerging Technologies and Intelligent Systems . ICETIS 2022. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, vol 573. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-20429-6_50

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation