A Study on Reading Comprehension Based on Ielts

Abstract

This research work is an attempt to find out the reading comprehension ability of the students of grade XII of both private and public schools who are in their 12th year of formal study. To carry out this research work, the researcher collected data from the students studying in grade XII in the faculties (Faculty of Science, Faculty of Commerce, and Faculty of Education and Faculty of Humanities). The total sample population of the study consisted of 80 students, 20 from each faculty were selected using stratified random sampling procedure. The researcher selected a model test of reading comprehension of IELTS format and this test, the main tool, was administered to the above mentioned population. The test had four different types of passages and students were asked to attempt the questions within a fixed time (i.e. 30 minutes). The raw scores of the students were converted into IELTS scores. Their scores were tabulated on the basis of the variable specified. Simple statistical tools were used to analysis the data by calculating the average and percentage. This study found out that the reading comprehension ability of the grade XII students of Higher Secondary Education Board was good in terms of the evaluation scheme of Higher Secondary Education Board, but their reading comprehension ability was very low except Science stream students in terms of IELTS standard. That means the reading comprehension ability of the students was not good enough to guarantee the admission to the colleges in the U.S.A., U.K. and other foreign countries. This study consists of four chapters. Chapter one consists of the general background, review of related literature, objectives of the study, significance of the study, and definition of the specific terms. Chapter two consists of the methodology of the study. It encompasses the source of data, population of the study, Sampling procedures, tools for data collection, process of data collection and limitation of the study. Chapter three consists of the analysis and interpretation of the collected data. The data were analyzed on the basis of the variables that were specified in the objectives, i.e. the private schools versus public schools. Chapter four consists of the major findings and recommendations of the study.