KONSTRUKSI TEORETIS INSTRUMEN PENILAIAN MENULIS TEKS DESKRIPSI KELAS VII BERBASIS HIGHER ORDER THINKING SKILLS (HOTS) - Mashudi, Mashudi; Kuntoro, Kuntoro (Pusat Pengembangan Pendidikan dan Penelitian Indonesia (P4I), 2026)
ABSTRACT Descriptive text writing skills are an important competence in the Merdeka Curriculum Phase D, requiring students’ observational abilities and imaginative expression. However, assessment practices in schools still tend to focus on Lower Order Thinking Skills (LOTS) and have not fully accommodated the demands of Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS). This study aims to formulate a comprehensive HOTS-based assessment instrument model for descriptive text writing. The research employs a qualitative approach using a library research method through the analysis of scholarly literature, language learning evaluation theories, and educational policy documents. Data were collected through documentation and analyzed using content analysis techniques, including data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing, with data validity strengthened through source triangulation. The findings indicate that HOTS-based writing assessment requires the development of cognitive indicators at the C4 level (analyzing the interrelationships among object details), C5 (evaluating the effectiveness of figurative language use), and C6 (creating original descriptive texts from a unique perspective). The formulated assessment instrument takes the form of an essay test based on visual stimuli, emphasizing authentic assessment and the use of at least three senses. The assessment rubric is analytical–holistic, with the highest weighting placed on diction and figurative language (40%) and text structure (30%). The conclusion of this study confirms that a HOTS-based descriptive text writing assessment instrument is capable of fostering students’ critical and creative thinking skills more optimally. Theoretically, this study enriches the conceptual framework of language learning evaluation, and practically, it serves as a reference for teachers in designing meaningful and challenging writing assessments. ABSTRAK Keterampilan menulis teks deskripsi merupakan kompetensi penting dalam Kurikulum Merdeka Fase D yang menuntut kemampuan observasi dan ekspresi imajinatif siswa. Namun, praktik penilaian di sekolah masih cenderung berfokus pada Lower Order Thinking Skills (LOTS) dan belum sepenuhnya mengakomodasi tuntutan Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS). Penelitian ini bertujuan merumuskan model instrumen penilaian menulis teks deskripsi berbasis HOTS secara komprehensif. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan metode studi kepustakaan melalui analisis literatur, teori evaluasi pembelajaran bahasa, serta dokumen kebijakan pendidikan. Data dikumpulkan melalui dokumentasi dan dianalisis menggunakan teknik analisis isi yang meliputi reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan simpulan, dengan keabsahan data diperkuat melalui triangulasi sumber. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahwa penilaian menulis berbasis HOTS menuntut pengembangan indikator kognitif pada level C4 (menganalisis keterkaitan detail objek), C5 (mengevaluasi efektivitas penggunaan majas), dan C6 (menciptakan teks deskripsi orisinal dengan sudut pandang unik). Instrumen penilaian yang dirumuskan berbentuk tes uraian berbasis stimulus visual yang menekankan penilaian autentik dan penggunaan minimal tiga pancaindra. Rubrik penilaian bersifat analitik-holistik dengan pembobotan utama pada aspek pilihan kata dan majas sebesar 40% serta struktur teks sebesar 30%. Simpulan penelitian ini menegaskan bahwa instrumen penilaian menulis teks deskripsi berbasis HOTS mampu mendorong kemampuan berpikir kritis dan kreatif siswa secara lebih optimal. Secara teoretis, kajian ini memperkaya konsep evaluasi pembelajaran bahasa, dan secara praktis dapat dijadikan acuan bagi guru dalam menyusun asesmen menulis yang bermakna dan menantang.