AN ANALYSIS OF THE SECOND YEAR STUDENTS’ ABILITY TO WRITE A SHORT MESSAGE AT MTsN KURANJI 1 PADANG

Abstrak

The purpose of this research was to analyze the second year students’ ability to write a short message at MTsNKuranji Padang. In writing a short message, the students should know three components of short message: grammar, appropriate words, and mechanics.The population of this research was the second year students of MTsNKuranji Padang. The total number of sample was 32 (thirty two) students chosen by using cluster random sampling technique. The data were collected through writing test by asking the students to write a short message. The reliability of the test was moderate (.55). The result of this research showed that in general the writing ability of the second year students of MTsNKuranji Padang to write a short message was moderate. It was proved by finding that 62.5 % students had moderate ability. In detail, the students’ ability to write the components of short message was moderate. It was proved by finding that 90.6 % students had moderate ability. Students’ ability in using grammar was moderate ability. It was proved by finding that 84.4 % students had moderate ability. Students’ ability in using appropriate words was moderate ability. It was proved by finding that 53.2 % students had moderate ability. Students’ ability in using mechanics was moderate ability. It was proved by finding that 59.3 % students had moderate ability. Referring to the result of this research, the researcher gave suggestion to the teachers that English teachers should give more explanation about a short message and give more exercises to write a short message. Next, the students are expected to increase their attention to the grammar, mechanics and appropriate words of short message and do more practices in writing a short message.