Abstrak
English has four primary skills to learn that are including speaking, writing, reading, and listening. Vocabulary plays an important role in mastering English so the students can easily understand and learn English. The purpose of this study was to describe the difficulties of grade 8 students of SMP Negeri 9 Tarakan in learning vocabulary. This study used a qualitative method. A random sampling technique was used to determine the sample in this study. Researcher took one class with a total of 31 students as a research sample. The data collection techniques used questionnaires, interviews, and vocabulary tests. The questionnaire consisted of 12 statements related to students' difficulties in learning vocabulary. Interviews were conducted with students to collect information regarding difficulties in learning vocabulary and problems faced by students in learning vocabulary. To find out students' ability to learn vocabulary, the researcher gave a vocabulary test to students with a total of 30 questions. Data analysis techniques were carried out by reducing data, showing data results, and concluding data. Based on the analysis of questionnaires and interviews, it was found that students tend to have difficulty learning vocabulary due to several problems such as pronunciation, spelling, and word meaning. The results of the vocabulary test showed that the average student score was low from the standard. Factors causing the low average student score were (1) the difference between writing and pronunciation in English (2) how to pronounce and spell vocabulary in English (3) interpreting a word in English according to a particular context, and (4) writing inappropriate words or sound spelling. (5) the correct pronunciation of words in English.