Investigating Factors that Cause Reading Difficulties Encountered by Jazan University EFL Students

One of the most significant problems faced by the researcher when teaching English in general and reading courses in particular is reading deficiency in English texts among EFL female students of Aldayer University College, which reflects the students’ poor reading performance. This brings about the assumption that the students face difficulties, which make them unable to read. This study aims to investigate the opinions and perceptions of Jazan University EFL students regarding the reading difficulties they encounter in English reading, and the factors that cause such difficulties. The study employed quantitative method, (162) female students of the University College of Aldayer participated in responding to the questions. The study results revealed that students really face difficulties in reading due to factors mostly related to background knowledge and linguistic abilities factors. Students’ culture and L1 and L2 differences could influence reading difficulties. By contrast, the findings revealed that students had positive attitudes towards reading in English and most of them are highly motivated to read in English. The findings of the study are a good source of information that helps students and their teachers to recognize the factors that affect reading difficulties and work on the possible solutions.