AN ANALYSIS OF THE EIGHTH GRADE STUDENTS’ SPEAKING ABILITY IN GIVING AND ASKING DIRECTION AT SMP 12 PADANG

Abstrak

The purpose of this research was to describe the eighth grade students’ ability in giving and asking direction at SMP 12 Padang. In giving and asking direction students should consider 5 aspects, they are; the ability in expressing of giving and asking direction (content) using grammar, ability in choosing and using appropriate vocabulary, pronouncing the words, and students’ fluency in giving and asking direction. The total number of population was 256 students, and researcher used cluster random sampling to chose the sample. The total number of sample was 64 (sixty four).The data were collected through speaking test by asking them to choose one of six alternative topics to do conversation in front of class. To make the test reliable the researcher used inter-rater method by using two scorers, the result showed that the test was reliable. The result of this study showed that in general the speaking ability of eighth grade students of SMP N 12 Padang in giving and asking direction was moderate. It was proved that 87% students had moderate ability. In detail, the students’ ability in expressing content of giving and asking direction was moderate. It was proved by the fact that 49 students (77%) was in moderate classification. Students’ ability in using grammar in giving and asking direction was moderate. It was proved by the fact that 59 students (92%) was in moderate classification. Students’ ability in choosing and using the appropriate vocabulary in giving and asking direction was moderate. It was proved by the fact that 64 students (100%) was in moderate classification. Students’ ability in pronouncing the words in giving and asking direction was moderate. It was proved by the fact that 62 students (97%) was in moderate classification. Students’ fluency in giving and asking direction was moderate. It was proved by the fact that 62 students (97%) was in moderate classification.Based on the result, the researcher gives suggestion to the teachers. The researcher suggests the teachers to give more time for students to practice speaking skill. The teacher can consider the appropriate way to improve students’ speaking ability. Since the students’ ability was moderate it is suggested to the students to practice speaking more.