E-Link Journal
Vol 12 No 02 (2025): E-link Journal

An Analysis of Students’ Difficulties in Understanding English Reading Comprehension on Narrative Text for Eighth Grade at SMP Ma’arif Miftahul Ulum Melirang

Nafa Saffanatut Tijani (Unknown)
Lailatul Masruroh (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Dec 2025

Abstract

This study examines the challenges faced by eighth-grade students at SMP Ma’arif Miftahul Ulum Melirang in comprehending English narrative texts, a crucial component of reading comprehension. The research addresses two main questions: what specific difficulties students face, and what factors contribute to these challenges. Using a descriptive qualitative method, the study involved 23 students through tests and questionnaires. The tests consisted of multiple-choice, short-answer, and true/false questions, while the questionnaire gathered students’ perceptions of their reading difficulties. The findings reveal that students struggle with four key aspects of reading comprehension: identifying main ideas, understanding vocabulary, making inferences, and recognizing detailed information. The most significant challenge was answering short-answer questions, which indicated a gap in understanding detailed content and vocabulary. Additionally, the study identified three primary factors contributing to these difficulties: the students’ backgrounds, including low motivation and fear of English; teaching techniques that were not well-aligned with students’ needs; and unsupportive learning environments. These findings highlight the need for improved teaching strategies and supportive environments to enhance students’ reading comprehension skills.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

elink

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

E-Link Journal is open acces, peer reviewed journal that publishes original research and literature reviewes on English education that focuses on educational language, literature and ...