AN ANALYSIS OF THE TENTH GRADE STUDENTS’ ABILITY TO COMPREHEND DESCRIPTIVE TEXT AT SMAN 17 PADANG

ABSTRACT
Nindi, Rahma Putri (2026). An Analysis of the Tenth Grade Students’ Ability
to Comprehend Descriptive Text at SMAN 17 Padang
Advisor : Drs. Khairul, M.Sc.,
This research is aimed at analyzing the tenth grade students’ ability to
comprehend descriptive text at SMAN 17 Padang, particularly in comprehending
descriptive text and its the generic structure consisting of identification and
description. This study employed a descriptive quantitative research design to
describe the students’ ability based on factual data obtained from the field. The
population of this research consisted of 147 tenth grade students of SMAN 17
Padang, and the sample was selected by using cluster random sampling technique,
in which class E4, consisting of 33 students, was chosen as the sample. The
instrument used to collect the data was a multiple-choice reading comprehension
test consisting of 30 items covering questions related to the generic structure of
descriptive texts. The students’ reading comprehension ability were classified
based on the Minimum Mastery Criterion (KKM=79) at SMAN 17 Padang to
determine their level of achievement.
The findings showed that the students’ ability in comprehending
descriptive text was categorized as high. The highest score obtained by the
students was 100 and the lowest score was 0. All 33 students (100%) were
classified into the high ability category. Specifically, in comprehending the
identification part of descriptive text, 33 students (100%) achieved a high level of
ability. Similarly, in comprehending the description part, 33 students (100%) were
also categorized as having high ability.
Based on the findings, it can be concluded that the tenth-grade students at
SMAN 17 Padang have a high ability in reading and comprehending descriptive
texts, including both identification and description components. Therefore,
teachers are suggested to maintain and improve students’ reading comprehension
ability by providing continuous practice and motivation, while students are
encouraged to practice more to sustain their achievement.
Keywords: Reading Comprehension, Descriptive Text, Generic Structure
(Identification, Description)