THE ABILITY OF THE EIGHTH GRADE STUDENTS OF SMPN 2 TINOMBO SELATAN IN WRITING DESCRIPTIVE PARAGRAPHS

ABSTRACT
Aan Nur Hasanah (A 121 13 079). “The Ability of the Eighth Grade Students
of SMPN 2 Tinombo Selatan in Writing Descriptive Paragraphs.” Skripsi.
English Education Study Program, Language and Art Education Department,
Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Tadulako University. Under the
supervision of Rofiqoh.
The objective of the research is to find out the ability of the eighth grade students
of SMPN 2 Tinombo Selatan in writing descriptive paragraphs. Additionally, this
study was conducted through a descriptive qualitative research design in which
the results are described and explained. The data of this research were taken from
the eighth grade students of SMPN 2 Tinombo Selatan. The samples of the
research consisted of 30 students who were selected using random sampling
technique. In this research, the researcher uses test as the instrument in collecting
the data. The test is composing of descriptive paragraphs in which the students
were asked to write descriptive paragraphs and pay attention to grammar,
vocabulary, and punctuation. Referring to the data analysis and explanation, it is
obtained that all students who were examined in the research did not pass the test
because all students obtained scores in range 0f 60-73 or below the passing grade
(?75) which are categorized as low. The result of the research confirms that the
students find difficulties in writing descriptive paragraphs. In conclusion, the
students need to improve their writing ability. The synergy among the teacher, the
strategies used, and the students is needed.
Key Words: Descriptive Paragraphs, Writing Ability