“It was Difficult. And a Little bit Boring.” Swedish Middle School Students’ Reception of Narrative Texts

This study explores literature reading and reception of narrative texts among Swedish middle school students. Through a written assignment think-aloud protocol, students’ comprehension interpretation are investigated. The shows that students tend to focus mainly on the plot. main hindrance is at lexical level, but cultural aspects, such as general knowledge surrounding world, also crucial. have difficulties interpreting gaps in text making meaning from implicit. However, capable interpretations conclusions go beyond text. suggests teaching should strive activate both syntagmatic paradigmatic thinking [Bruner, J. (1986). Actual minds, possible words. Harvard University Press] help better literary text, be emphasised encourage joy reading.