<![CDATA[Vocabulary mastery is a fundamental pillar in English language learning, yet Indonesian students consistently struggle to develop adequate lexical knowledge due to traditional practice-based teaching and low classroom engagement. This classroom action research investigated the effectiveness of a Picture Matching Game (PMG) in improving students’ vocabulary mastery and learning motivation among Grade XI students of SMA Sint Carolus Penfui Kupang. Adopting Kemmis and McTaggart’s (1988) spiral model, the study was conducted in two cycles involving 18 students. Quantitative data were collected through pre-test and post-test vocabulary assessments, while qualitative data were drawn from classroom observations and field notes. Results demonstrated significant improvement: mean vocabulary scores increased from 55.00 pre-action to 81.11 in Cycle II, with mastery rates improving from 16.67% to 88.89%. Student engagement similarly rose from 31.67% to 85.00%. The findings confirm that PMG is a pedagogically feasible approach to increase vocabulary retention, boost learning motivation, and reduce language anxiety in Indonesian EFL classrooms. Therefore, teachers are recommended to integrate visual game-based strategies as part of regular instruction.]]>
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