Analysis of student's problems in generating ideas in writing recount text by using small group discussion technique: A descriptive study at the 2nd grade of SMPN 2 Cileunyi in the academic year of 2017/2018

Writing is one of the important skills in the English language. Related to what was found when conducting the teaching practice program (2017) in SMPN 2 Cileunyi, which is almost 85% of students admit that they have problems in the English language, especially in writing skill. Considering that, this research aims to find and analyze the students’ problems in generating ideas by using small group discussion technique. It also aims to know the students’ ability in writing recount text. This qualitative descriptive study involved one English teacher and 34 students of second grade at SMP N 2 Cileunyi. The data obtained from observation, questionnaire, interview, and test as document analysis. The result of this research shows, the first, it revealed the students’ problems in generating ideas in writing recount text by using small group discussion. There were 5 problems, namely: content, organization, vocabulary, grammar, and mechanics. Based on the observation, questionnaire, and interview, it was found that students have serious problems with vocabulary, grammar, and content. The second, it is discovered the students’ ability in writing recount text. The result was, actually the students are good in content, organization, vocabulary, and mechanics abilities. They have the ability to write recount text but the students only having trouble to write the text. The students only have problems in the grammar aspect. Therefore, it is suggested that it is very important for the teachers to give motivation and attention in their students’ English writing, especially in aspects of writing and also consider the small group discussion technique which would be implemented in a classroom, especially in recount text. Then, the students should learn and practice more in writing in order to develop their ability in English Writing, such as asking the teacher about particular aspects of recount text that they do not understand.