Influence of Reading Ability on Students’ Academic Performance in Essays Writing in Ado Local Government, Ekiti State

ABSTRACT
This study examined influence of reading ability on students’ academic performance in Essays writing in Ado Local Government, Ekiti State. The purpose of the study was to explore the relationship between reading ability and academic performance in essay writing and to investigate the influences of extensive reading habit on students' academic performance in essay writing. Descriptive research design was used. The sample of the study comprised one hundred (100) respondents selected through simple random sampling technique from secondary schools in Ado local Government Area of Ekiti State. Self designed questionnaire titled ‘Reading Ability on Students’ Academic Performance in Essays Writing Questionnaire’ (RASAPEWQ) was used to collect the data for the study. Face ad content validity of the instrument was ensured by experts in the department of Test and Measurement and the researcher’s supervisor. Test-retest method of ensuring reliability was used. The reliability coefficient of 0.76 was obtained. The data collected were subjected to descriptive analysis using correlation technique the hypotheses generally were all tested at 0.05 level of significance. The result revealed that the students are confident in their ability to write essays, they understand the different types of essays and how to write them, they are able to develop a clear and concise thesis statement, they are able to support their thesis statement with evidence from their research, they are able to write in a clear and concise style. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that teachers should use teaching methods and approaches that would make students have an interest in reading. The parents, the teachers, and curriculum developers should play their part collectively and individually in developing interest, positive perception, and attitude of students towards reading. The government should provide an enabling environment that will stimulate students to read..