This study analyses reading proficiency, reading comprehension strategy use, and interest in English as the second language (L2) of 463 upper secondary students (16-year-olds). They were identified among a national sample of 10,331 students and labelled ‘Outliers’ due to their unusual combination of being poor readers in the first language (L1), but good readers in L2. Analysis showed that the Outliers use relevant strategies and report high interest in L2. The largest group was boys in vocational programmes, a group with a high dropout rate internationally. The findings challenge key assumptions about poor L1 readers also being poor readers in L2, while at the same time adding to studies on the importance of gender and interest for L2 reading comprehension.
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