Investigating the appropriateness of reading passages of grade seven english textbook: Tsehay chora primary school in focus, addis ababa, ethiopia

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the appropriateness of reading passages of Grade Seven English textbook suitability in developing students’ reading comprehension Descriptive research design with both qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed. In the study, 42 Grade Seven students randomly and four English language teachers with comprehensive sampling technique were included. The instruments used to collect data were document analysis, students’ questionnaire, and teachers’ interview. The data gathered through document analyses and students’ questionnaires were analyzed with frequency, percentages and mean; whereas, teachers’ interview data were analyzed through narration. The finding of study showed that, the reading passages of the current Grade Seven English textbook lack interestingness, authenticity and sufficient vocabulary. These deficiencies could hamper the appropriateness of reading passages so that the reading texts could not be adequate to develop the students’ reading skills. Hence, the reading passages should be revised to be appropriate for students’ success in reading.