A STUDY ON STUDENTS' DIFFICULTIES IN VOCABULARY MASTERY IN EIGHTH GRADE OF MTS DARUSSALAM ADIJAYA

Abstract

This research aimed to analysestudents’ difficulties in mastering vocabularyand the causes of students' difficulties in mastering vocabulary. The Qualitative method was used, with researcher as the main instrument and supporting instruments namely observation, interview and documentation. From the method and data analysis found; 1) Students' difficulties in mastering vocabulary are; pronunciation, the words have many meanings, remembering vocabulary, deficiency of vocabulary, constructing the correct sentence structure, using verbs in simple past tense, understanding the meaning of a new word and writing vocabulary according to the correct spelling. 2) Two factors cause students' difficulties in mastering vocabulary are internal and external. There are seven internal factors; students’ low memory, low interest in learning English, laziness in using dictionaries, lack of motivation, lack of self-confidence, and deficiency of vocabulary. Then, four external factors; inadequate facilities and infrastructure, lack of lighting in the class, lack of learning resources, lack of English speaking activities and teaching methods that are less attractive. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the most students have the same difficulty in mastering vocabulary. Factors that cause this are not only from within the students themselves but also external factors such as the environment around the students.