This study aims to identify the inhibiting factors in extensive reading of
English texts for grade 7 students at MTs Ma'arif NU 2 Cilongok, Banyumas, as
well as the challenges they face in implementing such reading activities. An
explanatory mixed-methods design was chosen, which consisted of distributing
questionnaires and conducting interviews with 7th-grade English students and
teachers as respondents. The total population was 279 students, and 95 students
were selected as a sample to be given a questionnaire. Then, from the total
sample, 10 students and a 7th-grade English teacher were taken as interview
respondents. The 24 statements in the Likert scale questionnaire were distributed
in printed English to students, and for interviews using a semi-structure consisting
of 6 interview questions for students and 9 questions for teachers in Indonesian.
Quantitative data from questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive and
inferential statistics, while qualitative data from interviews were analyzed using
data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing/verification. The results
showed that internal factors, such as a lack of interest, motivation, and self-
confidence, as well as external factors, including a lack of varied reading sources,
limited facilities, and low support from the social environment, are the main
factors that cause students' demotivation in doing extensive reading. In addition,
students also face challenges in understanding the content of the text, difficulty
finding relevant reading texts, and schoolwork pressure. This research is expected
to contribute to the development of more effective learning strategies in increasing
students' interest and motivation in reading through understanding the existing
inhibiting factors.