STUDENTS’ ERRORS IN READING DESCRIPTIVE TEXT AT SEVENTH GRADE OF SMPN 37 MEDAN

This research was conducted to analyze the students‟ errors in reading descriptive
text at seventh grade of SMPN 37 Medan. This research used descriptive
qualitative method. The data of this research were all information about types and
causes of the errors in reading. The source of data were 30 students for answer the
reading test and as the subjects of interview from class VII-G at SMPN 35 Medan.
The instruments of this research were reading test and interview sheet. The results
of this study showed that all seven types of errors (literal errors, inferential errors,
critical errors, vocabulary errors, structural errors, errors in connecting prior
knowledge, and interpretive errors) appeared during the reading test. In addition,
during the interview data collection to students, also showed that the seven causes
of errors (lack of cognitive ability, inability to use reading strategies, limited
vocabulary knowledge, inadequate connection with prior knowledge, motivation
and interest, external factors, and limited reading experience) are present in
students' problems that resulted in students made errors when reading the text