An Investigation of Afghan EFL Learners' Reading Strategy Use

Reading is a complex skill which involves cognitive processes. The learners who use reading strategies as part of learning how to read, they improve their memory, thinking skills, creativity and imagination. They also develop their length of concentration. Reading is a dynamic skill that is important for learners to learn using a variety of sources. It is especially important for those who are learning academic English. The aim of this study is to identify the most and the least frequently used reading strategies by the learners so that the teachers would take action steps to guide Afghan language learners to learn and to practice those least frequently used reading strategies. This research was conducted with 49 female students at Maarif girls school through a questionnaire in Sheberghan city Jowzjan Afghanistan. The finding of this study is stated that majority of Afghan students rely on Top-down more than Bottom-up reading strategies which is explicit learning and unskilled learners are not able to use Top-down they use implicit learning which is bottom-up reading strategies therefore, this study is beneficial for those students who are learning English through exposure to traditional methods in EFL classrooms.