Error Analysis of Recount Text of Junior High School Students of Mutiara Mandiri

Abstract

This study aims to identify and address errors in recount text writing among junior high school students. A descriptive qualitative approach using content analysis was employed. The research involved students from classes VIII-C and VIII-D at Mutiara Mandiri Junior High School, Bekasi, with 30 students selected through multi-stage random sampling. Data were collected from their English recount text writings. The analysis focused on identifying and categorizing both correct and incorrect elements, with emphasis on errors for further analysis and correction. The study identified four main error types: omission, addition, misformation, and misordering. These errors were most common in the use of simple past tense, verbs, linking verbs, and adverbial phrases related to time and place. Causes of these errors included interlingual transfer, intralingual transfer, learning conditions, and communication strategies. To address these issues, the study recommends reducing interlingual transfer, improving learning conditions, and enhancing communication strategies by strengthening students’ grammar knowledge. The findings revealed 595 sentences, with 458 correct and 133 containing errors. Based on these results, teachers should identify and incorporate relevant lesson materials, actively engage in the learning process, and provide regular writing exercises. Furthermore, Mutiara Mandiri Junior High School should enhance learning resources by offering scientific books, internet access, projectors, and other educational media.