An Analysis Students’ Intonation Variation in Speaking English at Eight Grade SMP HKBP Pardamean Medan

Abstract

This researcher was aimed to analysis students’ intonation variation in speaking English. This thesis focuses on the students’ intonation reading a text dialog, which consists of positive statement, negative statement, w-h question, and yes-no question. This research used descriptive qualitative design. The subject of the study was at the VIII grade students of SMP HKBP Pardamean Medan which consisted of 24 students. The technique of data collecting data follows audio method or recorded voice data. The result of analysis showed that the total of students’ difficult was 24 difficult in Students’ Intonation variation in speaking English. Rising and falling intonation was the most difficulties which done by the students in the dialogue. Difficult rising and falling was 11 or 45% in students. Difficult Level and Rising Intonation Level and rising intonation was the rather difficulties was 10 or 41% in students. Level and falling intonation was the least difficult was 3 or 12% in students. This research discovered that there were three difficulties of students in using English intonation, namely: (1). difficult in using rising intonation for the first clause and falling intonation the second clause in a compound sentence, (2). difficult in using falling intonation for w-h question and rising intonation for yes-no question. (3). difficult in determining pitch and stress of a syllable. This research findings discuss both teacher and students to take responsibility in overcoming difficulties. An English teacher should teach his beginner students the use of intonation and its function in every kinds of sentence.