Does gender really matter? L2 reading in Spanish at the intermediate-level

Abstract

Reading provides L2 learners access to cultural and linguistic information, making it an important part of second language acquisition. At the intermediate-level, learners should have the skills needed to start reading lengthier and more complex texts. However, this is not always the case. This study analyzed the effect of gender on L2 reading comprehension in Spanish at the third semester of instruction in a U. S. university. Two types of assessment were used: multiple choice and written recall. Also, the cognitive strategies used by students to understand the texts provided were evaluated. The statistical analyses revealed a significant difference between female and male participants as to reading comprehension as well as in the cognitive strategy in this process.