The Importance of Reading and Reading Ability in English of Thai Students

Abstract

Reading is a very important skill for anyone learning English as a foreign
language in Thailand This is because learners have more opportunities to use English
reading skills than listening skills, speaking and writing. Reading is a more important
skill for students studying English around the world than any other skill, especially for
students learning English as a foreign language. The importance and advantages of
reading English are as follows : 1) to help develop thinking in English 2) to help
develop English language skills 3) to stimulate brain function 4) to learn new words 5)
to develop writing skills 6) to open the world wide 7) to have fun and enjoy.
However, reading is an individual skill. Reading ability and factors that affect the
ability are as follows : 1) the meaning of reading comprehension 2) reading
comprehension 3) level of reading comprehension 4) factors affecting reading
comprehension. From the study of the student assessment report on English reading,
it was found that Thai students have an unsatisfactory level of English reading
proficiency. Therefore, in the country where neither uses English as an official
language nor as a second language like Thailand. The ability to read English is a
necessary skill to be built into the nation. In addition to be able to understand what
is read, it is necessary to rely on various factors as well.