Chapter One Introduction 1
1.1 Background 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem 11
1.3 Research Questions and Their Importance 19
Chapter Two Theoretical Framework 22
2.1 Reading Process 23
2.2 Linguistic Threshold 31
2.3 Cognitive Development 44
2.4 Reading Strategies and Skills 51
2.5 Text 55
2.6 Purposes 57
2.7 Theoretical Assumptions for ELL Reading Comprehension 60
Chapter Three Empirical Literature Review 65
3.1 Phonological Awareness and Reading Aloud 66
3.2 Vocabulary Instruction 75
3.3 Small Group Intervention 81
3.4 Pair-work Reading Instruction 86
3.5 IndePendent Reading Activity 92
Chapter Four Methodology 96
4.1 Research Design 96
4.2 Data Source 97
4.3 Construction and Justification of Variables 103
4.4 Data Analysis 109
Chapter Five Results 112
5.1 Effects of Reading Aloud Activity on Participants'Reading Comprehension 112
5.2 Effects of Explicit Vocabulary Instruction on Participants'Reading Comprehension 116
5.3 Effects of Small Group Reading Instruction on Participants'Reading Comprehension 120
5.4 Effects of Pair-work Instruction on Participants'Reading Comprehension 123
5.5 Effects of Independent Reading on Participants'Reading Comprehension 127
5.6 Summary 132
Chapter Six Discussions and Implications 134
6.1 Discussion 134
6.2 Implications 144
6.3 Suggestions for Future Studies 145
6.4 Limitations 147
References 148