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www.sil.orglingualinkslanguagelearningotherresourcesgudlnsfralnggandcltrlrn ngprgrmReadingSkill.htm. These parameters are the mode of communication
which is oral or written. Second, the direction of communication which is receiving or producing the message
The relationship among the skills as cited in www.sil.org lingualinkslanguagelearningotherresourcesgudlnsfralnggandcltrlrnngprgrmRea
dingSkill.htm is represented as follows:
Parameters
Oral Written
Receptive listening
reading Productive
speaking writing
Tabel 2.1 The Relationship among Four Skills
Therefore, reading is a receptive skill in written mode which requires certain skills to help the readers to read effectively. Everyday we almost read
something either in the form of the printed media or internet as technology increased. We can get a number of information through reading.
2.5.1 Comprehension
Like many other words, comprehension has a number of definitions that we can infer. Comprehension means the capacity of the mind to perceive and understand.
Alexander 1988: 127 gives the definition of reading comprehension as follows: Comprehension is an activity process that involves the child’s
integration of prior knowledge with information in the text. Among the major goals of reading instruction today is the development of
learners who understand, students need the comprehend abilities to
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understand concept presented in print, to think about the material reading, and to use that which is read for relevant purpose.
2.5.2 Reading Comprehension
According to Harris and Sipay 1980: 179 “reading comprehension is a set of generalized knowledge acquisition skills, which permits people to acquire and
exhibit information gained as a consequence of reading printed language.” From the above definition can be drawn that reading comprehension is the
highest level in reading activity which requires some ability in reading so that the readers can gain the information from the printed language they read. To gaining
the goal of reading, students need to increase their reading skill.
2.5.3 How to Improve Reading Skill
Reading is an easy activity but difficult to master. Many students become reluctant because they do not know how to read effectively and efficiently. Thus,
there are some skills to improve reading skills. The four skills as cited in http:www.learningtolearn.group.shef.ac.ukreadread_difkind_task.html.The first
one is skimming. It means that reading rapidly for the main points. Then, scanning is reading rapidly to find a specific piece of information. The other one is
extensive reading. It means that reading a longer text, often for pleasure with emphasis on overall meaning. The last one is intensive reading which is reading a
short text for detailed information.
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2.6 General Concept of Writing
