Abstract: Motivation, which is crucial to initiate and sustain reading efforts, has been studied in the field of ESL/EFL reading. However, most studies in this field are conducted collectively on groups of learners, failing to provide a detailed picture of individual experience. This paper presents a longitudinal case study on the reading motivation of 2 Chinese non English major graduates. During this two term study, the researchers conducted interviews for 3 times, and gave reading speed tests regularly. The results show that the ESL/EFL reading motivation of the 2 participants changed moment by moment, influenced by several factors. Reading materials play an important role in cultivating positive attitude and shaping intrinsic motivation.

Key words: motivation, ESL/EFL, extensive reading, graded readers