Using Online Recount Texts to Improve the Eighth Graders’ Reading Comprehension

Abstract

This study was intended to apply online recount texts to solve the problems of the eighth graders of SMPN 1 Sukodono in 2013/2014 academic year in reading recount texts. The reading materials were taken from the British Council site. This design consisted of one cycle involving four steps or procedures. They are planning, implementation, observation, and reflection. The finding showed that by using online recount texts, the students could improve their reading comprehension. This was proved by improving the students' score from 68.6 in the preliminary test to 79.7. The numbers of students who passed the passing grade (75) improved from 36.12% in the preliminary test to 88.88% after the implementation of the strategy. Their reading skills developed, mainly in identifying main idea and detailed information, and classifying the text structure. Lastly, in terms of the students' attitude or response toward the application of online recount texts, 91% students gave positive responses.