FROM HEADLINES TO WORD POWER: NEWSPAPER READING AND VOCABULARY DEVELOPMENT AMONG UNDERGRADUATE ESL LEARNERS IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to examine how reading newspapers affects the vocabulary development of undergraduate English as a second language (ESL) students in universities in Pakistan. Thirty students participated in structured newspaper reading exercises during a six-week intervention. Pre- and post-tests, as well as a Likert-scale questionnaire, were used to gather the data. With mean scores increasing from 25.13 on the pre-test to 54.93 on the post-test (t (29) = 66.11, p <.001), the results demonstrated a significant improvement in vocabulary knowledge, indicating a large effect size (Cohen's d = 12.07). The positive attitudes of Students toward newspapers as a resource for vocabulary expansion were seen in their survey responses. Students generally felt that reading newspapers improved their ability to put new words and concepts into context, as well as their confidence in applying what they had learned. Newspapers can be a good tool for English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers looking to inspire their pupils to think critically and independently while also expanding their vocabulary. Newspapers seem to be effective here, according to these findings.