The comparison of the primary school 5th and 8th class students reading comprehension skills for the short stories and essays (Kütahya province perspective)

In the present study, reading comprehension skills of the primary school 5th and 8th class students? reading comprehension skills for short stories, one of the narrative texts, and essays, one of the expository texts, have been studied. The main aim of the study is to put forward whether reading comprehension skills vary depending on the literary genres and habitats. The sample of the study, chosen randomly, is composed of 329 5th class and 570 8th class students at 10 different primary schools in various socio-economic environments (city, towns, villages). Data were collected through two achievement tests for the 5th class students and two achievement tests for the 8th class students. The tests aim at measuring the mentioned students? reading comprehension skills for the short stories and essays. Depending on the findings of the research, no significant difference was found between the reading comprehension level of the 5th class students and the literary genres. The comprehension level of the female students in reading short stories is higher and more significant compared to that of male students; however, no significant difference was found between the sexes in terms of essays. Depending on the place where the schools are located, a significant difference was found in reading comprehension for the short stories while no significant difference was found for the essays. 6 The reading comprehension level of the 8th class students showed a significant difference between the literary genres. Students were better able to comprehend the short stories. The comprehension level of the female students for both literary genres has been found to be higher and more significant compared to that of male students. Depending on the place the schools are located, a significant difference has been found in reading comprehension level of the students in both genres. The students at the schools in the city center have been more successful in both literary genres compared to those in the towns or villages. At the end of the present study, some suggestions have been put forward based on the research findings.