IMPROVING THE ENGLISH READING COMPREHENSION ABILITY OF GRADE 8 STUDENTS AT SMP NEGERI 3 GEDANGSARI IN THE ACADEMIC YEAR OF 2013/2014 THROUGH EXTENSIVE READING ACTIVITIES

This research is aimed at improving the reading comprehension of grade 8 students at SMP N 3 Gedangsari through extensive reading activities. In conducting this study, the researcher applied Classroom Action Research (CAR) as the method of the research. It was conducted in two cycles and each cycle consisted of four phases, they are: planning, acting, observing, and reflecting. The subjects of the study were 32 students of Class VIII B of SMP N 3 Gedangsari, Gunungkidul. There were two forms of data in this study. The qualitative data were obtained by doing observation, interviewing the students and the English teacher. Meanwhile, the quantitative data were obtained from the students’ reading comprehension scores of the pre-test, and the post-test and they were analyzed by using descriptive statistics. In reference to the application of the two cycles, the results of the research revealed that the use of extensive reading activities successfully improved the students’ reading comprehension. The students’ interest in reading English texts was improved. The extensive reading materials gave them enough opportunities to explore English texts and to enrich their vocabulary mastery. The enrichment supported them in comprehending the texts. In relation to their comprehension of English texts, the students were able to identify main ideas and supporting details of paragraphs correctly. This improvement was supported by the comparison of the students’ mean scores from the Pre-test and the Post-test, 41.71 and 64.87. Their involvement in the reading class also improved. In addition, the students became more active and they enjoyed the process of teaching and learning reading.