Improving the Speaking Ability of the Eight-Grade Students of SMP Negeri Kota Baru through Pictures

Abstract

Speaking competence is an essential component of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning because it enables students to communicate ideas, exchange information, and participate actively in classroom interaction. However, many EFL learners experience difficulties in speaking because of limited vocabulary, lack of confidence, insufficient practice, and limited opportunities for meaningful communication. This study aims to examine students’ speaking ability through the use of pictures as instructional media in an English classroom at SMPN Kota Baru. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach supported by quantitative descriptive data. The participants were 20 eighth-grade students in the first semester. Data were collected through interviews, classroom observations, checklists, speaking tests, questionnaires, and photo-video documentation. Students’ speaking performance was assessed based on pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. The findings show that the students achieved a total score of 1,630, with an average score of 81.5. Based on the mastery classification presented in Table 1, nine students (45%) were categorized as excellent, while eleven students (55%) were categorized as good. No students were classified as fair, poor, or very poor. These results indicate that the students demonstrated a generally good level of English speaking ability when supported by pictures during speaking activities. The use of pictures provided students with visual prompts that helped them generate ideas and express information orally. Therefore, picture-based speaking activities can support students’ participation and facilitate English speaking practice effectively. The study suggests that teachers can integrate pictures into speaking instruction to create more engaging and supportive classroom communication.