This study aims to improve the short story reading ability of ninth-grade students at SMP Negeri 18 Makassar through a group discussion-based learning strategy. The research employed Classroom Action Research (CAR) using the Kemmis and McTaggart model, which was conducted in two cycles. Each cycle consisted of four stages: planning, action implementation, observation, and reflection. The subjects of the study were 23 students, comprising 9 male and 14 female students. The research instruments included a short story reading ability test based on seven indicators of intrinsic elements, teacher and student activity observation sheets, interview guidelines, and documentation. In the initial condition (pre-cycle), the average score of the 15 students who were present was 89, with a classical mastery rate of 65.2%. In Cycle I, the average score of the 23 students decreased to 72, with a mastery rate of 43.5%, which was attributed to the students' adaptation to the new learning strategy. In Cycle II, following improvements in the learning process, the average score increased significantly to 84, with a classical mastery rate of 87%, exceeding the target of 85%. Student activity also improved from the Fair category in Cycle I to the Very Good category in Cycle II. Therefore, the group discussion-based learning strategy was proven to be effective in improving the short story reading ability of ninth-grade students at SMP Negeri 18 Makassar.
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