the role of syntax and text structure
Nominalizations, relative clauses, and complex noun groups are some of the grammatical constructions which may be a source of comprehension
difficulty at this level. The solution to such problems is often simply to
analyse and rewrite the sentence in which they occurred (Nuttall 1982).
Once more, visual presentation, highlighting, and restructuring make the
overhead projector the ideal mode of presentation in the classroom, but for
self-study and additional practice the computer display may appropriately
replace that medium.
But of course the mere comprehension of vocabulary items and isolated
sentences does not ensure the comprehension of a text. It is also necessary
to grasp the complex relations between sentences which make up a text.
Hasan and Halliday (1976) have shown how the correct interpretation of
pronouns, articles, and conjunctions is paramount to the understanding of
discourse. Although this is rarely a source of difficulty for Ll readers, it
appears that L2 readers often fail to interpret reference items or logical
connectives correctly. Hence the need for specific practice.
The conscious use of world knowledge, including knowledge about the
structure of the type of text that is being read, can considerably enhance
comprehension if it is used consciously in reading predictively. However, in
order to develop predictive reading, some control and guided practice has
proved necessary. Such controlled practice can advantageously be supplied
by the computer (Higgins 1984).
In other words, therefore, in the teaching of reading for professional
purposes, many of the limitations of CALL are irrelevant, whereas its
strengths (in being individualized and interactive) remain. This makes the
computer an ideal medium for complementary practice in learning some of
the sub-skills required in reading comprehension. For these reasons, my
colleagues and I have begun developing a semi-structured reading course
for self-access use as a complement to classroom activities and extensive
personal reading. The course is semi-structured, in the sense that it consists