EJI (English Journal of Indragiri) : Studies in Education, Literature, and Linguistics
Vol. 10 No. 2 (2026): EJI (English Journal of Indragiri): Studies in Education, Literature, and Ling

Eighth-Grade Students’ Interest in Writing Descriptive Texts: A Descriptive Quantitative Study

Nuraini (Universitas Islam Indragiri, Riau - Indonesia)
Samsul Amri (Universitas Islam Indragiri, Riau - Indonesia)
Sri Erma Purwanti (Universitas Islam Indragiri, Riau - Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
10 Jul 2026

Abstract

Writing is a crucial skill in English language learning, yet students often exhibit low interest in this activity. This study aimed to investigate eighth-grade students' interest in writing descriptive texts, focusing on five key indicators: feeling, attention, attraction, active involvement, and persistence. Employing a descriptive quantitative design, this study involved all 28 eighth-grade students at MTs Tarbiyah Islamiyah Sei Simbar selected through total sampling. Data were collected using a 15-item Likert-scale questionnaire and analyzed using percentage analysis. The findings revealed that the students’ overall interest in writing descriptive texts was low, with an average score of 35.28%. Specifically, the percentage for each indicator was 37.85% for feeling, 35.47% for persistence, 34.52% for attraction, 34.52% for active involvement, and 34.04% for attention. These results indicate a general lack of engagement and focus during descriptive writing tasks. Consequently, English teachers are highly encouraged to implement more innovative, interactive, and visually engaging instructional strategies to foster students' motivation and active participation in writing activities.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

eji

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

EJI (English Journal of Indragiri): Studies in Education, Literature, and Linguistics is a scientific journal issued by the English Study Program FKIP Islamic University of Indragiri Tembilahan Riau. It includes authentic studies, conceptual, and best work articles in English education, literature, ...