Investigating the Impact of Extensive Reading Programs on ESL Learners Reading Comprehension Skills

This study investigates the impact of extensive reading (ER) programs on the reading comprehension skills of ESL learners. Over a 16 week period, an experimental group of 40 intermediate level ESL students participated in a structured ER program, reading graded readers and self-selected materials for 30 minutes three times per week, while a control group of 40 students continued with traditional intensive reading instruction. Both groups completed standardized reading comprehension pre-tests and post-tests. The results show that the ER group made significantly greater gains in reading comprehension scores compared to the control group (p < .05). In addition, qualitative feedback from learner reading logs and questionnaires revealed increased motivation, reading enjoyment, and a more positive attitude toward English reading among ER participants. These findings suggest that implementing an ER program within ESL curricula can substantially enhance learners’ reading comprehension, foster reading motivation, and promote reading autonomy. The study recommends integrating ER as a regular component of ESL instruction to support long-term language development.