THE VOCABULARY DEFICIENCY OF SOME ESL IN READING SKILLS: A STUDY OF PRE-ND AND GENERAL STUDIES STUDENTS S. M. S KANO STATE

Abstract

The research work studies the respondent's level of comprehension and vocabulary knowledge. The core of this study is to find out why Pre-ND students of the School of Management Studies Kano State Polytechnic, could not score high in reading comprehension test. However, the research seeks to find answer to the following questions. Is there a minimum level of vocabulary thatL2 learner needs to comprehend below which comprehension is not possible? Can an L2 learner be taught how to acquire a wide range of vocabulary for different purpose? The theoretical framework for the study is the productive and receptive theory (Stuart 1973).To clear the doubt, sample subjects were obtain from a larger population to serve as the test respondents. Where tests of comprehension and vocabulary conducted on to the students. The study employs a quantitative base approach (Nunan 2001).Simple percentile used in the analysis to achieve the desired result. However, one of the findings suggest that the respondents were deficient in vocabulary knowledge, lack strategies and other mechanics of reading skills. It was recommended that students be exposed to the culture of rigorous reading, inculcate extensive reading habit.