THE IELTS READING STRATEGIES AND THE CHALLENGES IN THE IELTS -BASED READING TEST AMONG ELT OMANI TEST TAKERS

Abstract

the study focused on the IELTS reading strategies and coped the reading test challenges. The study was applied for 40 Omani test takers who graduated from English Departments and selected randomly and purposively from different IELTS preparation centers. The data was collected via focused group, individual interviews and questionnaire. The findings showed that the Omani test takers and candidates faced several challenges such as time complexity, cultural barriers, languages difficulties, fear and anxiety and the financial challenges. The best reading strategies are practicing the reading strategies test taking, practicing mock exams, the academic vocabulary meanings, highlighting the key parts and practicing reading to get the updated knowledge about the recent topics.