KURDISH EFL STUDENTS’ ATTITUDES AND PREFERENCES TOWARD EXTENSIVE READING

Abstract

This study meant to investigate the attitudes and preferences of Kurdish EFL students toward Extensive Reading. To this end, data were collected via a 12 items attitudinal questionnaire. The participants comprised of 110 Kurdish EFL students (48 male & 62 female), majoring in ELT at Tishik International University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq; ranging from freshmen to seniors. A convenience sampling was used to access the participants. The collected data were analyzed in percentage using Microsoft Excel according to the theory of attitude proposed by Mathewson (1994). The findings showed that the devastating majority of the students held positive attitudes toward extensive reading. Similarly, it is uncovered that students find extensive reading as an important and effective means for developing different areas of language skills. Additionally, according to the findings, it could be interpreted that these positive attitudes mostly are due the kind of materials and topics extensive reading presents which best fits students interests and gives them more autonomy. Finally, based on the findings, some recommendations are offered.