A Preliminary Study of Developing Extensive Reading Materials for an EFL Program in Japan

The development of reading skills is viewed as one of the most important aspects of EFL language programs. While numerous studies have explored the effectiveness of extensive reading in EFL language programs, few have focused on developing reading materials that meet the target readers’ needs（Kirin, 2010; Lyutaya, 2011; Fujita & Noro, 2009; Stoeckel, Reagan & Hann, 2012）. The paper reports a preliminary study of developing extensive reading materials for an EFL program in Japan, where limited budget and resources are hindering the successful implementation of extensive reading programs. The study indicates the need to develop reading materials that match the levels and interests of target readers, in this case, undergraduate English-major students who are studying international studies in Japan