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and Management Studies
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TYPE
Original Research
PAGE NO.
31-34
DOI
OPEN ACCESS
SUBMITED
08 January 2025
ACCEPTED
20 February 2025
PUBLISHED
13 March 2025
VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue03 2025
COPYRIGHT
© 2025 Original content from this work may be used under the terms
of the creative commons attributes 4.0 License.
Improving Students
Reading Comprehension
Through Charles Dickens
Works
Aliqulova Feruza O’ktam qizi
Teacher of faculty of languages, Termiz State Pedagogical Institute,
Uzbekistan
Abstract:
This article aims to thoroughly examine
various issues related to enhancing students' reading
comprehension skills through written texts. A key factor
in improving these skills is providing students with
engaging reading materials, such as comics, novels,
short stories, and storytelling, which can capture their
interest. Additionally, other aspects of reading
development are worth exploring, including effective
teaching methods, the advantages, and the challenges
of using written texts in reading instruction. Achieving a
high success rate in improving students' reading abilities
is crucial to ensuring they gain valuable input for
mastering or advancing their English skills. However,
enhancing reading comprehension is a complex process
that requires discussion to identify the most effective
approach.
One of the most effective ways to enhance students'
comprehension skills is through exposure to classic
literature. Among the many renowned authors, Charles
Dickens stands out as an excellent choice for improving
reading comprehension due to his rich language, vivid
characterization, and complex themes. This article
explores how Dickens’ works can be used as a tool to
enhance students’ reading comprehension skills.
Keywords:
Reading comprehension, written text,
methods, Charles Dickens.
Introduction:
English consists of four essential skills:
reading, speaking, listening, and writing. However, this
paper specifically focuses on reading skills. Additionally,
there are various methods and approaches to teaching
reading, including theoretical perspectives on reading
comprehension and an analysis of effective strategies
for improving it. One particularly effective method in
reading comprehension will also be reviewed.
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European International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Management Studies
Implementing the right strategy can significantly
enhance students' ability to understand written texts.
Based on four actions in the cycle, six steps were
identified as effective in enhancing reading
comprehension through text structure tasks. These
steps include:
1.
Asking students to identify the type of writing
used by the author.
2.
Encouraging students to analyze how the
author organizes the text.
3.
Guiding students to determine how the text is
structured and developed.
4.
Having students work in pairs to classify ideas
into groups.
5.
Instructing students to identify the main idea
of each paragraph.
6.
Encouraging students to analyze how the
paragraphs are interconnected.
From these steps, it is evident that they assist students
in constructing meaning and integrating information
from the text effectively.
Reading also plays a crucial role in expanding
vocabulary. This means that through reading, we can
achieve multiple benefits simultaneously. There is no
doubt that reading is one of the essential skills. When
teaching reading to enhance students' comprehension,
the focus should go beyond traditional or classical
methods, such as simply answering common
questions. Instead, it should encourage students to
understand and interpret the structure and meaning of
the text. This approach not only involves identifying
the main idea, as emphasized in classical theories, but
also includes activities like retelling passages concisely
or summarizing them in their own words.
Reading comprehension is the process of constructing
meaning from a text. Its goal is to understand the
overall message rather than focusing solely on
individual words or sentences. The result of reading
comprehension is a mental representation of the text's
meaning, which integrates the reader's prior
knowledge. Since readers have different skill levels and
ages, their approach to comprehension may vary.
Learning to read involves grasping meaning from texts,
emphasizing comprehension. Essentially, reading for
meaning is an effort to understand the text,
encompassing all activities related to this process.
The most crucial aspect of teaching reading is fostering
independent and autonomous readers. This involves
not only providing instruction but also shaping
students' perceptions and attitudes toward reading.
Encouraging curiosity through engaging written texts
can inspire students to develop a genuine interest in
reading. The true essence of teaching lies in helping
students deeply understand the material, rather than
simply presenting information and assuming they will
grasp it. The goal is to create a lasting impact that
motivates students to continue reading on their own.
According to researchers, another effective way to
enhance students' comprehension is through text
structure tasks. Engaging students in oral activities
related to text structure helps them process and
integrate information more effectively. For example,
asking students questions about the text's structure can
make it easier for them to understand comprehension
questions. However, teaching reading comprehension
in a diverse classroom, where students come from
different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, presents
challenges. In such cases, teachers must take personal
responsibility and initiative to improve the learning
environment and ensure all students can effectively
develop their reading skills.
The Significance of Charles Dickens’ Works
Charles Dickens, a prominent figure in English literature,
is known for his intricate storytelling, social
commentary, and memorable characters. His works,
such as Oliver Twist, Great Expectations, and A Tale of
Two Cities, offer students an opportunity to engage with
challenging texts that enhance their reading abilities.
Through his novels, students encounter various literary
techniques, historical contexts, and moral dilemmas
that deepen their understanding and interpretation
skills.
Enhancing Vocabulary and Language Skills
One of the key benefits of using Dicken
s’ works in
reading instruction is the exposure to rich and
sophisticated language. His novels contain a vast array
of vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, and figurative
language. By reading and analyzing Dickens’ texts,
students can expand their vocabulary and improve their
language proficiency. Teachers can encourage students
to identify unfamiliar words, use context clues for
meaning, and apply new vocabulary in their writing and
discussions.
Developing Critical Thinking and Interpretation Skills
Dickens' narratives often involve complex characters
and intricate plots that require students to think
critically. His use of irony, symbolism, and
foreshadowing challenges readers to analyze deeper
meanings within the text. Teachers can facilitate
discussions and activities that encourage students to
make inferences, draw connections between events,
and evaluate character motivations. This analytical
approach fosters higher-order thinking skills that are
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essential for strong reading comprehension.
Understanding Social and Historical Contexts
Another significant advantage of reading Dickens'
works is the exposure to historical and social issues of
the 19th century. His novels provide insight into
themes such as poverty, social injustice, and the class
system, which allow students to develop a broader
understanding of historical contexts. Teachers can use
Dickens' texts to prompt discussions on historical
background, compare past and present societal issues,
and encourage students to reflect on the relevance of
these themes today.
Engaging Students Through Interactive Activities
To maximize the benefits of reading Dickens’ works,
teachers can incorporate interactive activities such as:
•
Group discussions and debates: Encourage
students to discuss themes, character choices, and
moral dilemmas found in Dickens’ novels.
•
Creative writing exercises: Assign students to
rewrite a scene from a different character’s
perspective or create a modern adaptation of a
Dickensian story.
•
Dramatic readings and role-playing: Engage
students by having them perform key scenes from
Dickens’ works to enhance their comprehension and
interpretation skills.
•
Comparative analysis: Encourage students to
compare Dickens’ themes and characters with
contemporary literature and real-world issues.
CONCLUSION
Charles Dickens' works serve as a powerful resource
for improving students' reading comprehension.
Through exposure to rich language, complex
narratives, and historical contexts, students develop
essential literacy skills that enhance their ability to
analyze and interpret texts. By integrating Dickens’
novels into reading instruction through engaging
activities, educators can foster a deeper appreciation
for literature while strengthening students' reading
comprehension skills. Ultimately, the timeless
relevance of Dickens’ themes ensures that his works
remain an invaluable tool in literary education. The
concept of teaching reading through written texts is
not a new approach; rather, it is a classical theory that
has been adapted to fit modern conditions. To ensure
success, potential challenges and drawbacks should be
anticipated and carefully prepared for. Recognizing
and addressing these factors can lead to significant
benefits and positive outcomes. However, if common
issues are ignored or left unaddressed, the process
becomes merely superficial. Therefore, the key lies in
making informed decisions about how to tackle
obstacles and find solutions proactively, rather than
revisiting the same problems repeatedly.
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