An Analysis of the Second Grade Students’ Problem in Writing Explanation Text at SMAN 1 Singingi Hilir Kuantan Singingi Riau“ Thesis. English Department, Teacher Training and Education Faculty, Bung Hatta University.

Abstrak

Writing is one of the four language skills that must be mastered by students. Writing skills are the skills of a person to pour or express thoughts and ideas through writing as well as conveying thoughts and arrangements in sentences or paragraphs (Supiani, 2017: 37). Writing skills are not only related to the use of grammar and punctuation but also a process that can develop dynamic thinking abilities. As it is widely known, every skill will only be obtained through practice. In a nutshell, practice continuously can make skillfull in writing. Relating to this, the aim of this study was to describe the students’ problems in writing an explanation text at SMAN 1 Singingi Hilir Kuantan Singingi Riau. This research used descriptive method.

The population of this research was the second grade students at SMAN 1 Singingi Hilir Kuantan Singingi Riau. The total population was 59 students and they sat in three classes( XI IPA, XI IPS 1 and XI IPS 2).To get the sample, the researcher used stratified cluster sampling technique. The data of this research were gathered by using writing test. Based on the result of data analysis, it was found that its reliability index was .94.

The result of this research, it was found that 18 students ( 45%) had no problem, and 22 students (55%) had problem in writing an explanation text. Specifically, (1).16 students ( 40%) had no problem, and 24 students (60%) had problem in writing general statement, (2).14 students ( 35%) had no problem, and 26 students (65%) had problem in writing a sequenced explanation, (3).13 students ( 32.5%) had no problem, and 27 students (67.5%) had problem in writing closing, (4). 16 students ( 40%) had no problem, and 24 students (60%) had problem in using language features in writing an explanation text, (5).18 students ( 45%) had no problem, and (6).22 students (55%) had problem in using vocabulary in writing an explanation text, (4).17 students ( 42.5%) had no problem, and 23 students (57.5%) had problem in using mechanics in writing an explanation text.

Based on the research findings, it can be concluded that the second grade students of SMAN 1 Singingi Hilir Kuantan Singingi Riau had problem in writing explanation text. Relating to this conclusion, the teachers are suggested to provide more varius exercises for the students about writing an explanation text. The students also should learn more and do more exercises to improve their ability in writing an explanation text.

Key words: Writing, explanation text, problem