Grammar and vocabulary testing scores in L2 reading

Abstract

In language testing bibliography, it has been suggested that L2 grammar and vocabulary scores strongly and positively correlate with L2 reading comprehension. Jeon and Yamashita (2014), conducting a large-scale meta-analysis study, found strong correlations among these two variables: r=.85 for grammar and r=.79 for vocabulary in different tasks. Following this paradigm, the current study examines this relationship (performance on reading skills and language use – grammar and vocabulary) integrated into a single testlet/paper. The hypothesis is tested by examining scores in reading skills and language use (in which grammar an..d vocabulary items are included) extracted from a large authentic sample in Greece with Italian as the target language. Further, any correlation between the acquisition or learning of these sub-skills is assessed. It was found that the two variables do indeed correlate statistically, although the strength of the correlation is not very high. In that respect, this work confirms findings of earlier studies reported in the literature review. This analysis results in several hypotheses which relate to the possible interpretations of the results. This study wishes to contribute to the discussion by adding results from a Greek context using Italian as the target L2.

Relationship Among Reading Interest, Grammar Knowledge, and Reading Comprehension of Narrative Text

“…In line with this, grammar knowledge is one of the factors in reading comprehension (Azizah et al, 2017). Some previous researchers found that grammar knowledge and reading interest together with reading comprehension positively correlate (Alek & Handayani, 2018;Amir & Shahi, 2016;Mouti & Ypsilandis, 2018). It is implied that reading interest and grammar knowledge affects reading comprehension.…”

“…Then, grammar is necessary for reading comprehension based on previous research. Mouti & Ypsilandis (2018) conducted a study about grammar and vocabulary to reading. The finding showed that grammar has high contribution to reading.…”