Enhancing the Seventh Grade Students’ Vocabulary Achievement by Using Crossword Puzzles

Abstract

One of the important aspects of the English language is vocabulary. This is because the more words that the students know, the more they are able to understand what they hear, read and easy to speak and write. Learning vocabulary is the same as understanding new words. For the students who learn English as a foreign language, vocabulary plays an important role because vocabulary is very important to expand their ability in mastering the four language skills, covering: listening, speaking, reading and writing. As one of the basic components of the four language skills vocabulary has to be mastered by the students. Vocabulary is needed when we want to communicate or to express our ideas. Thornbury (2002:12) says “Without grammar very little can be conveyed, without vocabulary nothing can be conveyed”. It means that vocabulary is very important in learning English. If students lack of vocabulary they cannot express their ideas and it is impossible to communicate effectively with others.