Reading is one of the fundamental skills in learning English. It plays a significant role in helping students develop comprehension, expand their vocabulary, and enhance their ability to analyze texts. In the field of education, especially in formal institutions such as Islamic boarding schools (pesantren), One common method used to improve reading comprehension is intensive reading, which involves reading texts thoroughly with a focus on understanding meaning, text structure, and vocabulary. However, despite the importance of intensive reading in the English learning process, many students still struggle to master this skill. Factors such as limited vocabulary, difficulties in identifying main ideas, and the influence of the learning environment can hinder students’ ability to fully comprehend reading materials. Therefore, it is important to explore the specific challenges students face in intensive reading so that learning strategies can be improved and adapted to meet their needs. This study focuses on the 3rd-grade KMI students at Cahaya Al-Qur’an Islamic Boarding School in Dumai, Riau, and aims to examine the various difficulties they encounter, as well as the factors influencing their performance in intensive reading activities.