Reading activity cannot be separated from the process of comprehending the text, which also need the reader’s background knowledge. In preparing the materials (texts), the writers usually have to think about whose readers who are going to read the texts to provide the suitable materials (texts) for certain readers. Finding the right fit between the texts and the readers become the main concern for the writers or composers then. In the formal area of learning, students must be provided by the texts or materials which are suit with their different level. Readability is the study about the text and how it is suit with the readers. This study is intended to find the readability of “New Step Up 2: Reading” book published by Center for Language Development (PPB) IAIN Walisongo Semarang and the Students’ comprehensibility using this book.
This study use the quantitative and qualitative approach. The data are obtained from the result of the analysis on the readability level of the text and the students’ reading final examination scores and the results of students answer on questionaire and the information dealing with the book are gotten through interview.
The results of readability analysis show that there are four texts that are match for high school levels, one text is match for college graduate level, and five texts is matched for college level. The texts intended to students at college level are 50 % of the overall texts, it means that the texts are actually in the right level. The students final test is to find out students reading ability and the results are 512 students or 65.56% who get score more than 70. However, it is also obvious that there are 143 students or 18.31% who are in the average level as their scores are in the scale of 60-69. There are only 126 students or 16.13 % who get below 60. This level needs more enrichment and effort to develop students reading ability. In addition, there are several factors affecting students’ comprehension. The factors are students familiarity with the topics of the texts including background knowledge, and difficult vocabulary faced by the students.
The study recommend that readability level should be provided to make sure the appropriateness of the texts level as the sources for teaching learning process; factors affecting students’ reading ability such as readability level of texts, students’ motivation, and teaching-learning strategies should be given serious attention; and fostering reading habit is necessary for students to develop their reading skill.