Comparing Vocabulary Knowledge of Sophomore and Senior Qassim University Students

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating vocabulary size and lexical growth of Saudi EFL students at Qassim University. The primary goal of this research was to examine the vocabulary sizes of English students at Qassim University. The participants consisted of 60 second and fourth year English department students at Qassim University in Saudi Arabia. As this study focused on the vocabularies of Saudi EFL learners, the XK_Lex test was selected as the instrument of measurement. Participants were asked to complete the XK_Lex vocabulary test with its yes/no format, and data was then collected and analyzed statistically. The data analysis showed that the second-year students have a vocabulary knowledge of approximately 2000 words, while senior students know about 3000-3800 words. The results also confirmed that the students possess more word knowledge as they move onto higher years at an appropriate rate. Thus, these results suggest that vocabulary knowledge can be used as an indicator of the students’ progress and academic achievements.