A CORRELATION STUDY BETWEEN THE FIRST GRADE STUDENTS’ PROFICIENCY OF THE SIMPLE PAST TENSE AND THEIR ABILITY IN WRITING SIMPLE PAST SENTENCEAT SMA PERTIWI 1 PADANG

Abstrak

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to find out a correlation between the first grade students’ proficiency of the simple past tense and their ability in writing simple pas sentence at SMA Pertiwi 1 Padang. The design of this research was correlation. The population of this research was the first grade students at SMA Pertiwi Padang. The number of population members was 342 students. To select the sample, the researcher used convenience sampling technique. In general, the result of the data analysis revealed there was significant correlation between the first grade students’ proficiency of simple past tense and their ability in writing simple past sentence at SMA Pertiwi 1 Padang, the coefficient correlation (r) between simple past tense proficiency and writing simple sentence was .669. It was classified as having strong correlation for both variables. The coefficient determination (r²) was 44.76%. It could be concluded that 45% of the variance in writing simple past sentence ability is caused by grammar proficiency. In the other word, grammar gives 45% contribution toward writing simple past sentence ability. Finally, Ho was rejected and Ha was accepted. Consequently, it is suggested to English teachers who teach grammar an writing sentence to give students more explanation and exercises about simple past tense to improve their skills. The students are suggested to learn more and to do more exercises in order to improve their ability in writing simple past sentence.

Keywords : tense, simple past tense, writing simple past sentence