Abstract:
Learning English is very difficult. We have to master the language skills
and the components, for example in using intonation, one of the supra-segmental
features. In using English intonation, students should know the supra-segmental
itself; because intonation depends on each of the supra-segmental features. On
this matter, students often get confused and make mistakes in using English
intonation. They often confuse in using rising and falling intonation in certain
sentences. Considering the fact above, the researcher tries to conduct a research
about the ability in using English intonation of second semester students of
English Department in Muhammadiyah University of Purworejo in academic
year of 2012/2013.
The researcher took 50 students of the second semester students of
Muhammadiyah University of Purworejo as the sample. In collecting data, the
researcher used a pronunciation test which consisted of 20 items of sentences
using falling and rising intonation. The students asked to use proper intonation in
pronouncing the sentences. This study is descriptive quantitative research; it’s
consisted of one variable.
Based on the data analysis, the highest score obtained by the students
was 85 and the lowest was 50. The standard deviation of score was 8.559 and the
mean score was 71.8 Referring to the statistic categories, the measure of
students’ ability in using English intonation was on good category, it can be seen
from the mean score of the students’ ability. The mean score was on 66 – 79 and
the percentage of successful is 72%. It is concluded that the ability of the second
semester students of Muhammadiyah University of Purworejo in using English
intonation belong to good category.
