Exploring the Difficulties Faced by EFL Students in Identifying the Main Idea of Narrative Texts: A Study of Challenges and Strategies

Abstract

This present study aimed at exploring EFL students’ challenges and strategies in identifying the main idea of narrative Texts. The first is to find out what challenges faced by EFL students in identifying main idea of narrative text. The second is to find out what strategies are used by EFL students in identifying main idea of narrative text. The design of this study used qualitative research with a case study approach. This study was attended by 5 students (2 males and 3 females) of the English education department in the 2th semester at the University of Islam Malang. The technique for collecting data was carried out through interviews. The interview was adapted from Qurniawan (2020) which contains 11 questions regarding reading comprehension. Interviews were conducted online using voice notes via WhatsApp with five students who have taken a literal reading course. There were 10 questions in the interview, which was used semi-structured. The data from the interview was analyzed using an interactive analysis. The results of the interview data are reported descriptively. The findings of this study indicated that students’ challenges in identifying the main idea of narrative text are a lack of vocabulary mastery, a lack of concentration, and difficulty understanding of complex sentences. The findings also showed that the strategies used by students in finding main idea of narrative text are skimming and scanning. From the results of the interviews, the researcher found that the majority of students’ challenges in identifying the main idea of narrative text were influenced by their weaknesses in mastering a wide range of vocabulary. It is hoped that this research can contribute to EFL students or teachers by providing insights into the specific challenges faced by EFL students in understanding and identifying the main idea of narrative texts. It can contribute to the development of more effective learning programs and suitable solutions. Future researchers are advised to consider similar research by adding the gender variables that make males and females have the same difficulties in identifying the main ideas of narrative texts. Keywords: Students’ Challenges, Students’ Strategies, Main Idea, Narrative Text