Abstract:
This study focuses on the challenges faced by grade 11 students of senior high school in reading
comprehension text. The purpose of the study was to assess EFL students’ challenges in reading
comprehension at Zarima secondary school grade 11 students and to find out the factors that affect
in reading comprehension. The researcher used descriptive research design in which mixed
methods quantitative and qualitative were used as the instrument data collection methods. The data
collected from 60 grade 11 students who were randomly selected from the total population of 420.
In addition, three English teachers who teach EFL in this grade level were included using purposive
sampling techniques collected data for the study. The findings of the study revealed that almost all
participants face problems in reading test. Based on the result from the test, the researcher found
that the major problem students face in reading comprehension text was main idea followed by
making inference, locating reference, vocabulary and detail information. In addition, based on the
students’ responses in questionnaire, they had lack of background knowledge, lack of motivation,
poor vocabulary knowledge, lack of reading strategies, lack of foreign culture and they couldn’t
concentrate reading comprehension. Those were factors that affect students' reading
comprehension skill. Teachers’ interview showed that students did not actively participate in
reading comprehension activities, shortage of reading materials, lack of vocabulary knowledge,
less interested and less participant as they lack experience and students give less attention to
reading skills. By contrast the findings reveal that the teachers helped students to overcome their
reading comprehension problems. Classroom observation analyzed qualitatively teachers’ poor
teaching reading techniques and strategies, students’ low motivation and shortage of text book in
a classroom. Based on the major findings and conclusions drawn from them, the research made
some recommendations on what should be done to minimize students’ problem in reading
comprehension and factors that affect students’ reading comprehension. Moreover, if they have a
good skill in reading, they will have improved reading skill in the future.
