A Content Analysis On “English In Focus” An English Textbook For Grade Viii Junior High School (Smp/Mts)

Oleh :
Agustina Wulandari - X2211005 - Fak. KIP

The purposes underlying this study are: (1) to describe the structure arrangement of “English in Focus for Grade VIII Junior High School (SMP/MTS)”; (2) to analyze how far the tasks in “English in Focus for Grade VIII Junior High School (SMP/MTS)” develop the communicative task in CLT approach; and (3) to describe types of CLT materials used in “English in Focus for Grade VIII Junior High School (SMP/MTS)”. This study used descriptive method, which refers to content analysis or documentary analysis. It was conducted in May 2013. The technique of collecting data used documentary analysis. The steps in analyzing data are defining criteria, subjective analysis, objective analysis, and matching. The source of data in this research is the textbook for eighth grade of Junior High School, “English in Focus”, written by Artono Wardiman, published by CV Putra Nugraha. In collecting data, this study took all of chapters of the textbook. The result of the study shows that: (1) there are 4 guidelines in selecting and evaluating the structure of textbook. First, this textbook corresponds to learner’s needs. Second, this textbook reflects the uses (present or future) that learners will make of language. Third, this textbook takes account of students’ needs as learners and facilitates their learning processes, without dogmatically imposing a rigid ‘method’. Fourth, this textbook has a clear role as a support for learning. (2) The percentage of communicative task is 43.75%, it means that the “English in Focus” is average in developing the communicative task. So the quality the “English in Focus” in developing the communicative task is average of the criteria which are suggested in this study. And (3) the percentage of types of material in CLT is 74.95 %, it means that the “English in Focus” is very good in developing the CLT material as applied in this study. This textbook analysis implies that “English in Focus” is average in developing the communicative exercises and it is very good in developing the CLT material. It means that this textbook is recommended to be used in teaching and learning supported with the other textbooks in order that the teacher can give other supporting materials.