An Analysis of the Difficulties and Countermeasures of English Reading for Non-English Major Undergraduates English versionA Study of the Difficulties and Strategies in English Reading of the Non-Engl

, reading always plays a critical role in English learning. English reading can not only help learners to improve their language proficiency, but also broaden their knowledge and enrich their cultural background. Moreover, it can enhance their ability to analyze and understand complex texts, which is essential for academic and professional success in various fields.

However, for non-English majors, the importance of English reading is often neglected. Many students tend to focus more on speaking and listening skills, while neglecting reading and writing skills. As a result, they often encounter various difficulties in English reading, which hinders their overall English level improvement.

2. Investigation on the Basic English Reading Condition of Non-English Majors

To reveal the basic English reading condition of non-English majors, a self-designed questionnaire was conducted on non-English major undergraduates in Shandong Agricultural University. The questionnaire mainly focused on their English reading habits, frequency, and difficulties they encountered in reading.

The investigation showed that most non-English majors read English materials only occasionally, and the frequency of reading is far from enough. Many students prefer to read English materials with pinyin and Chinese translation, which demonstrates their lack of confidence in English reading ability.

Moreover, the investigation also revealed that non-English majors face various difficulties in English reading, such as unfamiliar vocabulary, complex sentence structures, and cultural differences. These difficulties often lead to frustration and discouragement, which further hinders their motivation and progress in English reading.

3. Analysis of the Difficulties and Strategies in English Reading of Non-English Majors

Based on the investigation, the difficulties that non-English majors face in English reading can be analyzed from several aspects. First, the vocabulary gap is a significant obstacle for non-English majors in reading. They often encounter unfamiliar words, which hinder their comprehension and fluency in reading. Second, non-English majors are not accustomed to the complex sentence structures in English, which makes it difficult for them to understand the meaning of the text. Third, cultural differences also pose challenges for non-English majors in reading. The unfamiliar cultural references and allusions in the text often confuse them and hinder their understanding.

To address these difficulties, several strategies can be proposed. First, non-English majors should develop a habit of reading English materials regularly. By doing so, they can gradually improve their English reading ability and become more confident in reading. Second, they should focus on expanding their vocabulary by reading more and using various vocabulary learning methods, such as word lists and flashcards. Third, non-English majors should practice understanding complex sentence structures by breaking down sentences and analyzing their structures. Finally, they should increase their cultural awareness by immersing themselves in English-speaking environments and learning about English-speaking cultures.

4. Conclusion

In conclusion, English reading is a critical aspect of English learning, and non-English majors should pay more attention to it. Through the investigation, it was revealed that non-English majors face various difficulties in English reading, such as vocabulary gap, complex sentence structure, and cultural differences. To address these difficulties, several strategies were proposed, such as developing a reading habit, expanding vocabulary, practicing sentence structure, and increasing cultural awareness. By following these strategies, non-English majors can enhance their English reading ability and achieve better academic and professional success