Comprehension strategies while reading expository texts in Spanish (L1) and English (L2)

Abstract

The ability to comprehend written texts is essential in order to gain access to the vast amount of written information available today. This is especially true for university students who, in the context of their studies, often need to search for and use information in English. However, it is also the case that the English proficiency level of many students renders this task a laborious and frustrating experience. The starting point of this research was the consideration that without knowledge of how students go about processing texts, it would be difficult to design effective instruction in reading strategies that would meet their academic and professional needs. This study describes the use and awareness of comprehension strategies by a small group of students who were asked to report on what they did to understand while carrying out information-transfer tasks based on expository texts in Spanish (L1) and in English (L2).