STUDENTS’ ERRORS IN USING PAST TENSE IN WRITING RECOUNT TEXT: A STUDY AT SECOND GRADE OF SMAN 1 TERARA IN ACADEMIC YEAR 2023/2024

Abstract

This research aims to identify the types of errors in the use of past tense in writing recount text by second grade students at SMAN 1 Terara. This research employed a descriptive quantitative, there were 372 students, it consisted of 6 classes of nature and social science program and there are 31 students in each class. The sample in this research was only taking 10% from the population because there are more than 100 students and the sample of this research consisted 37 students. There are five steps to analyze the data, there were collecting, identifying, describing, explaining, and evaluating. The data was collected through 37 student writings to identify the prevalence and nature of these errors. It was found that there are two types of grammatical errors made by students i.e., omission and misinformation. The result of this research found there were 4 errors of omission that was found in this research such as, “was”, "were" are often omitted by students, makes the sentence sound incomplete and misinformation got 50 errors in students’ test, students did not understand and mastering past form, such as students still use verb 1 in past tense. And it reveals that misinformation was the dominant errors, indicating a need for targeted instructional strategies. There were 54 errors made by students in their writing recount text using past tense. And this research highlights the importance of grammar in writing and provides insights into specific areas where students require further support to improve their written communication skills. The results aim to inform educators and English teachers to enhance English language teaching and learning process.