The Analysis of Difficulties in Reading Descriptive Text Encountered by Seventh-grade Students of SMP Negeri 7 Kupang in the Academic Year 2023/2024

Abstrak

This research aims to find out types of difficulties in reading comprehension of descriptive text and to find out the causes of difficulties in reading comprehension of descriptive text encountered by seventh-grade students of SMP negeri 7 Kupang. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative and the data source of this research are 30 seventh-grade students in class A. The researcher used test-like assignment and interview to collect data. The researcher analyzed the data by using descriptive qualitative techniques (identification, description, and conclusion). The researcher found students have difficulty in understanding main idea with a total of 71 incorrect answers out of 120 answers (59,17%). Difficulty in locating reference with a total of 88 incorrect answers out of 120 answers (73,3%). Difficulty in understanding vocabulary with a total of 82 incorrect answers out of 120 answers (70%). Then, difficulty in making inference with a total of 81 incorrect answers out of 120 answers (66,7%) and difficulty in finding detailed information with a total of 80 incorrect answers out of 120 answers (66,7%). Besides, the researcher found causes of difficulties in reading comprehension of descriptive text because of internal factor namely students have no interest in learning English, lack of English learning experience, lack of ability to read English texts, lack of vocabulary, low prior knowledge, did not know structure of descriptive text and external factor namely lack of teaching techniques, less supportive home, school environment. It is recommended that students should be self-aware of the value of reading comprehension and motivated to pursue it. teacher should come up with more creative ways to teach reading. Teacher should be diligent in going to class to teach.