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CHAPTER II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
In a research, it is important to describe the theories related to the problems of this study, which are used as foundation and reference in order to give relevant
knowledge in the field.
A. Theoretical Foundation
1. Definition of Reading
There are some definitions about reading. Menyan and Leeuw as quoted by Zainudin that reading is a digestive process and it has two
principles, they are learning by understanding, which means selecting, discriminating and organizing.
1
The second principle is flexibility. It must take time to read slowly when the meaning of word is difficult. Reading is
one of four skills in English that the students should acquire. Nunan stated that ―reading is a process of readers combining information from text
and their own background to build meaning.
2
This means that the readers should combine their knowledge and what the information they read. It is
very important skill that the students need for the success of their studies.
1
Zainuddin, The Use of Group Work in Teaching Reading for the First Year Students of MAN Pamekasan, English Departement, IAIN sunanAmpel, 2009,9
2
David Nunan. Practical English Language Teaching. Singapure: The Mc Grow Hill Company, 2003, 68
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Reading is an interaction between the reader and the writer, Albert said that the text provides information that author wants the reader to
understand in certain ways.
3
It means that the writer hopes that the reader can understand the information provided in the text.
2. The Importance of Reading
Reading is one of the most important skills in learning language besides listening, speaking, and writing. According to Damian, reading is
an activity that involves greater level concentration and gives conversational skill to reader.
4
It acquired a lot of knowledge. Besides, reading can imp
rove students‟ attention span and comprehension. In general, there are two reasons why reading is important in daily life:
a.
Reading will help to achieve some clear aim or information.
5
It means that reading is one of the ways to get information.
b.
Reading is needed for career, to study purposes, or simply for pleasure.
6
Teacher or students reads a book to improve their knowledge and people read comic, magazine, or novel for pleasure.
3
Harris Albert J. 1962. Effective Teaching of Reading, New York: David McKay Company,35
4
Damiansofsian. http:ezinearticles.com?the-importance-of-readingid
.accessed on September 15th 2014
5
As cited in thesis of Ainy Surabaya: IAIN SunanAmpel ,14
6
Jeremy Harmer, How to Teach English, Longman: Pearson Education Limited,99
