<![CDATA[Vocabulary mastery is fundamental to English language learning because it enables students to comprehend linguistic input and communicate ideas effectively. However, seventh-grade students at SMPI Nurul Islam Penjaringan, North Jakarta, demonstrated difficulties in understanding word meanings, identifying synonyms and antonyms, using words appropriately in sentences, and interpreting vocabulary in context. This study examined the effect of the Make a Match technique on students’ English vocabulary mastery. A quantitative approach with a one-group pretest–posttest design was employed involving 31 seventh-grade students. Data were collected using a 20-item multiple-choice vocabulary test administered before and after six instructional sessions using the Make a Match technique. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Shapiro–Wilk normality test, and a paired-samples t-test. The findings showed a substantial improvement in students’ vocabulary mastery, with the mean score increasing from 39.03 in the pre-test to 84.84 in the post-test. The statistical analysis confirmed that this improvement was significant (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that the Make a Match technique effectively enhances students’ vocabulary mastery by engaging them in interactive and collaborative vocabulary-learning activities. The study highlights the potential of this technique as an alternative instructional strategy for vocabulary teaching in junior secondary English classrooms.]]>
