Abstract:
Reading is a complex skill which involves cognitive process. The learners who use
reading strategies as part of learning how to read, they improve their memory,
thinking skills, creativity and imagination. They also develop their length of
concentration. Reading is a dynamic skill that is important for learners to learn using
a variety of sources. It is especially important for those who are learning academic
English. The aim of this study was to identify the most and the least frequently used
reading strategies by the learners so that the teachers would take-action steps to guide
Afghan language learners to learn and to practice those least frequently used reading
strategies. This research was conducted with 49 female students at Maarif girls
school through a questionnaire in Sheberghan city Jowzjan Afghanistan. The finding
of this study stated that majority of the participants rely on Top-down more than
Bottom-up reading strategies which is explicit learning and unskilled learners are not
able to use Top-down they use implicit learning which is bottom-up reading
strategies. Therefore, this study is beneficial for those students who are learning
English through exposure to traditional methods in EFL classrooms.