A Descriptive Study of the Eight year Students' Ability in Writing A Descriptive Paragraph at SMPN I Kartoharjo Magetan

Abstract

This research aimed to describe the eight grade students’ ability on descriptive paragraph writing at SMPN I Kartoharjo Magetan based on the aspect of content, organization, grammar, vocabulary, and mechanics. The participants of this research were 30 students of the eight year students at SMPN I Kartoharjo Magetan determined using proportional random sampling technique by lottery. This research used the descriptive study of the data gotten from the students’ test in writing a descriptive paragraph. The test was analyzed based on five aspects of writing. The writing tests were scored by two scorers, these were analyzed using analytic scoring rubric. These were calculated using mean score formula and classified using five scales. Based on the data analysis result of mean score, it was fair category. There was only one student who got excellent score. Meanwhile, in good category was 6 students who obtained. The most students were in fair category, it was 15 students. There were found 8 students who were in category of poor. No student was in failed category. Referred to the analysis result, the researcher suggests to the English teacher to train the students by giving more practices in drilling the students’ ability in writing so that their writing ability can improve, particularly in grammar, and mechanics aspect. The other researchers are suggested to be able to conduct the next research using classroom action research or experimental research and applying the appropriate technique which can improve the students’ writing ability.