AN ANALYSIS ON STUDENTS’ PROBLEM IN READING SKILLS AT EIGHTH GRADE OF SMPN 10 TARAKAN
This study described the issues faced by students in reading skills among eighth- grade students at SMPN 10 Tarakan. The research adopted a qualitative descriptive approach, with a sample of thirty-two eighth-grade students. Data collection methods included document analysis, observation, and interviews. Data analysis techniques involved data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion. From the data analysis, the researcher identified student problems and the causes of these problems in English reading skills among eighth-grade students at SMPN 10 Tarakan. The identified issues included difficulties in decoding or pronouncing words and poor reading comprehension. These problems made the students make many errors when answering reading comprehension questions. Furthermore, there were contributing factors to these reading skill issues, including background knowledge, vocabulary deficiency, teaching methods, learning strategies, and the student environment. Based on the problems above, the researcher concluded that the primary causes of students' difficulties in English reading skills are their background knowledge and lack of vocabulary.