Abstract:
This study was an attempt to investigate the Readability and Students’ Reading Comprehension
Level in English Textbooks at Chencha Secondary and Preparatory School Students with the
levels expected of them in their content areas to achieve the objective this study, descriptive
survey design using mixed research approach. Simple random sampling techniques to use the
whole available 200 students’ cloze test and to gather data from interview, the researcher
selected 6 students with simple random sampling method.
The readability level of grade nine English textbooks, was assessed using the Fry graph
readability formula. In order to assess the comprehension level of the target students and the
readability of textbook, four cloze tests were administered to grade nine – twelve students and
the researcher conducted a semi-structured interview with students. Three texts with different
types are selected from each textbook. All of selected texts are analyzed by using fry graph
formula. In order to see the possible effect of grade nine- twelve difference on the results, the
tests were administered to ninth students. Interviews were also conducted with the students to
gather their opinions about the textbook readability level.
The finding from the fry graph readability formula indicated the textbook is not appropriate for
grade ninth students. The results of the cloze tests also indicated that the comprehension level of
the students was at a frustration level. This means that the students couldn’t comprehend even
with the help of their teacher. The findings from interviews revealed that textbook readability
level was beyond the learners’ level. Considering all the findings, it is recommended that the
textbook readability level should be lowered to the appropriate level in the coming edition. This
can be done by; presenting passages centered learners’ background experiential and cultural
knowledge, rewriting the passage to make the organization more explicit and relevant for the
intended learners and replacing difficult words and sentences by those already frequently used
and familiar to learners. Finally, it is also recommended that till the textbook readability level is
improve, English language teachers should be informed about the readability level of thtextbook, so that they will take their own measures in simplifying the textbook contentse
