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Abstract:In recent years, more emphasis has been given on the role of the learner in the language learning process considering that language learning is primarily a learner's oriented activity. Thus, learners' needs and interests should be taken into consideration for effective language learning and teaching to take place. One significant area where learners' preferences influence their learning can be seen in reading. In any academic or higher learning context, reading is perceived as the most prominent academic language skill for all second and foreign language learners. It is through reading that these learners learn new information and become able to synthesize, evaluate and interpret in order to learn more about their subject matter. Pursuing a postgraduate study requires extensive reading practices which will enable the learners to extend their literacy development. The present study examines the reading habits and preferences of a group of EFL graduate students. Data were collected through a questionnaire and analysed quantitatively. The findings will report on: i) the types of reading materials preferred ii) reasons for reading and iii) the preferred language for reading. To conclude, the paper will further discuss the implications of the findings in terms of instructional materials development within an EFL context. Key words: EFL learners, reading habits, reading preferences, reading behaviourAbstrak: Beberapa tahun ini, lebih banyak perhatian ditujukan pada peranan pemelajar dalam proses belajar mengajar yang menganggap bahwa pembelajaran bahasa pada hakikatnya adalah aktivitas yang berorientasi pada pemelajar. Oleh sebab itu, kebutuhan dan minat pemelajar harus dipertimbangkan bagi pembelajaran dan pengajaran yang efektif. Salah satu area yang signifikan dimana pilihan pemelajar mempengaruhi pembelajaran mereka adalah membaca. Didalam konteks pembelajaran akademik atau lanjut manapun, membaca dianggap sebagai keterampilan bahasa yang paling penting bagi semua pemelajar yang mempelajari bahasa Inggris sebagai bahasa asing atau bahasa kedua. Dengan membaca, pemelajar mampu mendapatkan informasi baru, mengsintesis, mengevalusi dan mengintepretasikan sumber belajar. Pendidikan di Sekolah Pascasarjana menuntut para mahasiswanya untuk membaca secara ekstensif agar kemampuan literasinya 1 Noorizah Mohd. Noor is a faculty member of School of Language Studies and Linguistics Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

Action research designs are systematic procedures used by teachers to gather quantitative and qualitative data to address improvements in their educational setting, their teaching, and the learning of their students. Action research enables teachers to keep track and take account of the many aspects of their work with students through a systematic routine. This study aims to investigate the critical reading strategies employed by Iranian EFL students. To achieve the aim of the study, the Stringer's Action Research Model that is a cyclical and repetitive process of inquiry i.e. Look, Think, and Act was utilized. This study used Bloom's taxonomy as useful reference tool to describe the ability of thinking simply for high school EFL students.