Pemahaman teks fiksi dan nonfiksi peserta didik kelas vii sekolah menengah pertama

Abstract

This study describes seventh-grade students’ comprehension of fiction and nonfiction texts, the difficulties they experience, influencing factors, and teacher strategies at SMP Nurul Huda Jayapura. A qualitative descriptive design involved 26 students and one Indonesian-language teacher. Data were collected through reading-comprehension tests, classroom observations, interviews, and documentation. Test data supported qualitative patterns, while observation and interview data explained learning processes and contexts. Data were analyzed through condensation, display, conclusion drawing, and verification; credibility was checked through source and technique triangulation. Results showed a moderate overall level: 5 students (19.23%) were high, 16 (61.54%) moderate, and 5 (19.23%) low. The mean raw score for fiction was 20.19 (67.31), higher than nonfiction at 18.15 (60.51). Students were relatively successful in locating explicit information, recognizing characters, following simple plots, and identifying directly stated facts. Difficulties centered on interpreting implicit information, identifying messages and main ideas, distinguishing facts from opinions, and constructing conclusions. Influencing factors included reading interest and habits, vocabulary, concentration, prior reading experience, access to texts, and teaching strategies. The teacher responded through rereading, vocabulary explanation, guiding questions, discussion, and contextual texts. The findings highlight the need for structured reading instruction that progresses from literal to inferential and evaluative comprehension.