An Error Analysis on Students’ Writing of Descriptive Text at SMK Negeri 1 Pedan, Klaten

Abstract

This study aims to determine the types of errors and causes of errors made by 10th grade students of SMK Negeri 1 Pedan in writing descriptive texts. This type of research is descriptive qualitative using the error analysis method. The subjects of this study were 30 students and two teachers. The data of this study comprise document taken from 30 students’ worksheet and interview transcript collected from the interview with 12 students as the student representatives and two teachers. Further, in collecting the data this study used document review and interview techniques. The data were then analyzed using steps referring to the theory by Miles and Huberma (1994). The results of this study indicate that there were several errors that occured namely 1) spelling error (33.7%) 2) punctuation error (19.1%) 3) grammar error (24.7%) 4) usage error (23.5%). It means that dominant type of errors in this research is spelling error. The causes of error embrace 1) interlingual transfer 2) intralingual transfer 3) context of learning. Furthermore, this study also shows the reasons why students made these errrors which include students’ lack of thorough, students’ lack of English vocabulary; students’ lack of understanding about the material. The errors and the causes of error made by students in writing descriptive texts highlight the problems that students face in exploring their writing skills as well as the possible improvement that can be done to solve them. Even though they experience some difficulties, students are still trying to do the assignment given and have enthusiasm when describing the character as seen from the results.