The effects of pre-reading activities in L1 and L2 on B1 level EFL learners' reading comprehension

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of pre-reading activities in L1 and L2 on B1 EFL students' reading comprehension and to determine the students' views. The conducted literature review indicates a lack of research on the use of L1 in L2 pre- reading activities. The significance of this study is that it was the first research to be conducted with the secondary school students at a private school in Burdur, Turkey. The participants were divided into two groups: experimental and control groups. The homogeneity of the learners' overall proficiency was determined by a proficiency test (pre-test) conducted before the study. While pre-reading activities were conducted in L1 for experimental group, these activities were conducted in L2 for control group. The data collected from two groups were statistically analyzed. In addition, this study consisted of sequential embedded teaching design to get feedback from the participants about the process of the study at the end of the experimental study. Students' feedback was collected for the purpose of building foresight for further similar studies. The findings in this study indicated that there were no significant differences between the learners' overall reading scores when pre-reading activities were conducted in L1 or L2. It was also revealed that the experimental group participants found the pre-reading activities in L1 positive to become more persuading to participate in the lessons while the control group found the pre-reading activities in L2 useful to improve their pronunciation and their vocabulary knowledge. Additionally, all the findings improvements, raise in willingness and opportunities during the activities were stated at the end of the study.