We propose a reading time model for learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) that is based on a learner’s reading proficiency and the linguistic properties of sentences. Reading proficiency here refers to a learner’s reading score on the Test of English for International Communications (TOEIC), and the linguistic properties are the lexical, syntactic and discourse complexities of a sente...

This paper presents a study of comprehension monitoring of Chinese lower intermediate EFL (English as a foreign language) learners in first language (L1) and foreign language (FL) reading. It investigates the outcome of comprehension monitoring in L1 and FL reading, as well as the separate contributions of L1 reading proficiency and FL comprehension monitoring to FL reading proficiency. 126 stu...

in recent years, a number of large-scale writing assessments (e.g., toefl ibt) have employed integrated writing tests to measure test takers’ academic writing ability. using a quantitative method, the current study examined how written textual features and use of source material(s) varied across two types of text-based integrated writing tasks (i.e., listening-to-write vs. reading-to-write) and...

This article sets out to examine the effect of utilizing different culturally-based materials on EFL university students' foreign language reading anxiety, reading comprehension self-efficacy, and reading proficiency within project-based classes. The research was carried out with two classes of intermediate freshmen majoring in English Language Teaching. The comparison group had to present thei...

This study uses a moving windows self-paced reading task to assess text comprehension of beginning and intermediate-level simplified texts and authentic texts by L2 learners engaged in a text-retelling task. Linear mixed effects (LME) models revealed statistically significant main effects for reading proficiency and text level on the number of text-based propositions recalled: More proficient r...

The validation of ability scales describing multidimensional skills is always challenging, but not impossible. This study applies a multistage, criterion‐referenced approach that uses a framework of aligned texts and reading tasks to explore the validity of the ACTFL and related reading proficiency guidelines. Rasch measurement and statistical analyses of data generated in three separate langua...

The present study aimed to assess the target and present reading comprehension needs and abilities of Iranian medical students with different levels of English language proficiency. A total of 283 medical students and 23 ESP instructors were chosen through cluster sampling. The data collection instruments included the Persian version of Atai and Nazari’s (2011) needs analysis questionnaire and ...

Numerous studies have shown that the native language influences foreign word recognition and that this influence is modulated by the proficiency in the non-native language. Here we explored how the degree of reliance on cross-language similarity (as measured by the cognate facilitation effect) together with other domain-general cognitive factors contribute to reading comprehension achievement i...

This paper reports findings from a study that assesses metacognitive awareness and reading-strategy use of Chinese senior high school students who are learning English as a foreign language (EFL). A total of 270 students responded to a 28-item survey of reading strategies (SORS). The strategies were classified into 3 categories: global, problemsolving, and support. The results showed that the s...