Keywords
Abstract
Reading comprehension is a fundamental component of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning because it enables learners to access academic knowledge, authentic information, and international communication. However, many EFL learners experience difficulties in understanding English texts due to limited vocabulary, insufficient background knowledge, slow reading speed, lack of reading practice, and excessive dependence on word-by-word translation. Extensive reading has been widely recognized as an effective approach that can address these challenges by encouraging learners to read large amounts of relatively easy and interesting materials for general understanding and enjoyment. This article examines the role of extensive reading in developing EFL learners’ reading comprehension and analyzes the linguistic, cognitive, affective, and metacognitive benefits associated with extensive reading. The study employs a qualitative literature-based methodology, drawing on major theoretical perspectives and previous research concerning extensive reading, second language acquisition, vocabulary development, reading fluency, and learner autonomy. The analysis demonstrates that regular extensive reading can contribute to improved comprehension, vocabulary growth, reading fluency, background knowledge, inferential ability, and reading motivation. It also reduces learners’ dependence on dictionaries and word-by-word translation by encouraging them to infer meaning from context. However, the effectiveness of extensive reading depends on appropriate material selection, adequate reading volume, learner motivation, teacher guidance, and systematic monitoring. The article concludes that extensive reading should be integrated into EFL curricula as a complementary approach to intensive reading and explicit language instruction.
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