THE ABILITY IN USING ENGLISH INTONATION OF SECOND SEMESTER STUDENTS OF ENGLISH DEPARTMENT IN MUHAMMADIYAH UNIVERSITY OF PURWOREJO IN THE ACADEMIC YEAR OF 2012/2013

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.