Language proficiency and reading comprehension in EFL contexts
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Abstract
Reading comprehension in English is a critical skill for academic success in higher education, particularly for students learning English as a Foreign Language. Beyond word decoding, effective reading requires advanced cognitive processes, including inference, synthesis, and critical evaluation. However, many Ecuadorian university students face persistent difficulties in understanding academic texts in English, which negatively affects their academic performance. Research suggests that language proficiency and reading outcomes. This study examines how reading anxiety interacts with language proficiency to affect the comprehension of academic texts among sixth-semester students at the Technical University of Cotopaxi. The study addresses three research questions regarding comprehension.
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