An Error Analysis of Eighth Graders' Writing Skills at SMPN 5 Tarakan
This research aims to describe students’ problems in writing skils in eight-grade students at SMPN 5 Tarakan. This research uses a qualitative descriptive method. This research was conducted at SMPN 5 Tarakan with a class VIII-C of 31students. The data collected used analysis documents and questionaires as research instruments. From data analysis, researchers found students’ problem and the causes of the problems from English writing skills for class VIII-C SMPN 5 Tarakan. Especially in describing objects, writing vocabulary, and making mistakes when working on questions according to instructions. Furthermore, lack of vocabulary, teaching methods, less effective strategies, and the students’ environment. Based on the findings above, the researcher concluded that the biggest cause of students’ difficulties in English writing skills is background knowledge and the lack of vocabulary.