Analyzing Grammar Content of 8th Grader Book Using Cunningsworth Checklists

Oleh :
Aziziyah Lita Anggraini - K2219016 - Fak. KIP

This study aims to analyze the grammar content of the eighth-grade English textbook "English for Nusantara" using Cunningsworth's (1995) grammar content evaluation criteria. This study employed a qualitative content analysis design. The data source was the eighth-grade English textbook English for Nusantara, consisting of fifteen units. The data were collected through document analysis and analyzed using Cunningsworth's seven criteria for evaluating grammar content. The findings indicate that the textbook contains various grammar items, including the Simple Past Tense, interrogative forms, Wh- questions, descriptive adjectives, adverbs of manner, conjunctions, and time connectives. Most grammar items are presented through contextualized examples, Language Focus sections, and communicative activities that facilitate meaningful language use and support students' learning needs. However, the distribution of grammar content is uneven across the textbook. Six units primarily focus on communicative expressions, presentation skills, social media communication, poster creation, opinion expressions, and creative writing without providing explicit grammar instruction. Based on Cunningsworth's evaluation criteria, the textbook fulfills four out of the seven grammar content criteria (57.14%) and is therefore categorized as Fair. The findings suggest that although the textbook provides relevant and contextualized grammar content, teachers should provide supplementary grammar explanations and additional practice activities to enhance students' grammatical competence.