The Effect of Topic Interest on the Reading Comprehension of Higher Ability Students

This study investigated the relationship between topic interest and reading comprehension, focusing on higher ability students. Ninety-three fifth and sixth grade subjects were given reading passages of higher and lower interest, and tested on their comprehension of these passages. Analysis of the data revealed that higher interest materials significantly facilitated the reading comprehension of higher ability students. Lower and middle ability readers' comprehension was not affected by the varying interest conditions. There was no effect by sex. The finding conflicts with the results of previous research and has implications for the reading education of gifted students.