An Analysis of Students’ Understanding of Language Features in Narrative Texts
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24256/ideas.v14i1.9291Keywords:
convergent mix-method design, EFL learners, folktales, language features, narrative text comprehension, vocational high schoolAbstract
This study aims to investigate students’ understanding of language features in narrative texts, including characters, past tense, adverbs of time, direct speech, and moral values. It also explores the factors that contribute to students’ difficulties in comprehending these features. This study was conducted at SMK Islam Bustanul Ulum Pakusari Jember with 29 male students, using a convergent mixed-methods design, quantitative worksheet analysis, and qualitative questionnaire insights. Quantitative data were used to identify students’ understanding of language features and moral values in narrative texts based on worksheet results. Qualitative data to explain the factors contributing to students’ difficulties, including reading strategies and learning obstacles. Data sets complement by showing well-understood or challenging aspects and reasons behind results. Results showed students had a strong understanding of past tense, direct speech, and specific characters, with all (100%) identifying them correctly. However, some aspects needed improvement, especially adverbs of time (correctly identified by 65.52% of students), spelling consistency, and English moral value (34.48%). The questionnaire results highlighted variations in reading strategies, such as scanning and skimming techniques, as well as obstacles, including limited vocabulary and lack of focus, which were addressed through dictionary to improve comprehension of narrative meaning. This study shows that culturally relevant worksheets effectively improved comprehension and supported students’ understanding by linking linguistic learning with local heritage. These findings suggest focusing future instruction on gradual support for inferential comprehension and spelling accuracy, with further research exploring longer interventions, mixed-gender participants, and strategies to strengthen moral value interpretation in narrative texts.
References
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Alisoy, H. (2024). Exploring Language Acquisition: The Role of Native Language Interference in ESL Learners. Journal of Azerbaijan Language and Education Studies, 1(1), 50–66. https://doi.org/10.69760/jales.2024.00105
Alruwani, M. M., Senowarsito, & Andris Susanto, D. (2025). CHALLENGES IN PUNCTUATION USAGE AMONG LIBYAN EFL SECONDARY STUDENTS. English Review: Journal of English Education, 13(1), 397–406. https://doi.org/10.25134/erjee.v13i1.11649
Aprilia, Intan, Susanti, Elis, Setian, R. (2022). THE FACTORS EFFECTING STUDENTS LACK ABILITY IN WRITING NARRATIVE TEXT FOR EIGHT GRADERS OF SMP NEGERI 05 KOTABUMI ACADEMIC YEAR 2021/2022. Eralingua: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Asing Dan Sastra, 24(2), 151–154.
Arisman, R., & Haryanti, I. S. (2019). USING SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION TO IMPROVE STUDENTS’ READING ACHIEVEMENT ON NARRATIVE TEXT. English Community Journal, 3(1), 325. https://doi.org/10.32502/ecj.v3i1.1698
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Dias Hasna Sukmadewi, & Muhardila Fauziah. (2025). Analisis Kemampuan Menulis Teks Narasi Siswa Kelas V SD N Ketiwijayan. Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Kebudayaan (JURDIKBUD), 5(2), 112–123. https://doi.org/10.55606/jurdikbud.v5i2.5822
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Fahira, F., & Arifin, S. (2024). The Analysis of Grammatical Errors in Narrative Texts Written by 10th Grade High School Students. Journal of Education Research, 5(4), 5191–5199. https://doi.org/10.37985/jer.v5i4.1629
Fanny, V. F. R., Juhansar, J., Amalia, U., & Prasetyoaji, A. (2022). Investigating EFL Students’ Tense Errors in Writing Narrative Text. International Journal of Business, Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (IJBHES), 4(2), 53–63. https://doi.org/10.46923/ijbhes.v4i2.172
Hanum, M., Wahyuni, S., & ZA, M. (2020). A descriptive of students critical reading skills in narrative texts. Jurnal Ilmiah Mahasiswa Pendidikan, 1(1), 1–9. http://r-cube.ritsumei.ac.jp/bitstream/10367/8129/1/5. LARKING Malcolm(APLJ_vol.2).pdf
Kartini, T. W. A. (2022). ERROR ANALYSIS ON THE USE SIMPLE PAST TENSE IN NARRATIVE TEXT. ETNOLINGUAL, 6(1), 51–58. https://doi.org/10.20473/etno.v6i1.34122
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Mukhofifah, M., & Ekaningsih, N. (2023). THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION TECHNIQUE TO IMPROVE STUDENTS’ ENGLISH READING COMPREHENSION OF NARRATIVE TEXT. Prominent, 6(1), 46–58. https://doi.org/10.24176/pro.v6i1.8677
Naserly, K. M. (2023). Analisis Kesalahan Simple Past Tense pada Materi Kuliah Bahasa Inggris Dasar (Studi Kasus pada Kelas 64.1C.25 Jurusan Manajemen Fakultas Ekonomi & Bisnis 2022/2023 UBSI) Mursyid. Journal on Education, 06(01), 6363–6369.
Oviogun, P. V., & Veerdee, P. S. (2020). Definition of language and linguistics: basic competence. Macrolinguistics and Microlinguistics, 1(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.21744/mami.v1n1.1
Perkins, K., & Zhang, L. J. (2024). The Effect of First Language Transfer on Second Language Acquisition and Learning: From Contrastive Analysis to Contemporary Neuroimaging. RELC Journal, 55(1), 162–178. https://doi.org/10.1177/00336882221081894
Putri, A. H., & Maisarah, I. (2023). Analysis of Moral Value in Narrative Text of Senior High School English Textbooks. Journal of English for Specific Purposes in Indonesia, 2(2), 82–88. https://doi.org/10.33369/espindonesia.v2i2.28044
Rahmasari, B. S., Munir, A., & Adi Nugroho, H. (2024). The role of peer tutoring integrated with KWL charts in the development of students’ inferential skills. Cogent Education, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2024.2335810
Rizki, P., Fatahillah, W., & Vancito, M. (2024). AN ANALYSIS OF STUDENTS DIFFICULTY IN WRITING NARRATIVE TEXT IN CLASS X OF SMK NEGERI 1 KUTACANE ACADEMIC YEAR. Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Dan Pengajaran, 3(1). file:///C:/Users/user/Downloads/12.+PUTRI+RIZKI+125-134.pdf
Setiawan, I., & Fahriany, F. (2017). MORAL VALUES IN NARRATIVE TEXTS OF ENGLISH TEXTBOOKS FOR SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS PUBLISHED BY THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND CULTURE. IJEE (INDONESIAN JOURNAL OF ENGLISH EDUCATION), 4, 130–143. https://doi.org/10.15408/ijee.v4i2.5977
Sholikha, A. A., & Indriani, L. (2021). Adverb of Time Analysis on Novel “After the Ending” By Lindsey Fairleigh. SALEE: Study of Applied Linguistics and English Education, 2(2), 155–162. https://doi.org/10.35961/salee.v2i02.270
Silalahi, D. F., Sidabutar, D. O., Arihta, J., Purba, M. R., Angita, N., Situmorang, R. R., & Puteri, A. (2025). Pemanfaatan Cerita Rakyat sebagai Materi Pembelajaran Bahasa Indonesia untuk Menumbuhkan Karakter Bangsa. Journal of Citizen Research and Development, 2(1), 424–428. https://doi.org/10.57235/jcrd.v2i1.4678
Siregar, N., Firmansyah, F., & Harahap, Y. S. (2023). Developing Students’ Worksheet for English Language Teaching to Cope with the 4C’s Skill Through Project Based Learning. Jurnal Paedagogy, 10(1), 44. https://doi.org/10.33394/jp.v10i1.6286
Tampubolon, Veronika Angelina Tarigan, N. W. P. W. (2022). Teaching English and Language Learning English Journal (TELLE). Teaching English and Language Learning English Journal (TELLE) PERCEPTION, 02(02), 138–147.
Uyar, T., & Erozan, F. (2024). English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Teachers’ Voices: English as an International Language (EIL) in Cyprus Context. Sage Open, 14(3), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440241271170
van den Broek, G. S. E., Wesseling, E., Huijssen, L., Lettink, M., & van Gog, T. (2022). Vocabulary Learning During Reading: Benefits of Contextual Inferences Versus Retrieval Opportunities. Cognitive Science, 46(4), 1–28. https://doi.org/10.1111/cogs.13135
Yulianti, I., Indihadi, D., & Saputra, E. R. (2025). Analisis instrumen penilaian keterampilan menulis teks narasi peserta didik sekolah dasar. Journal of Elementary Education, 08(03), 501–508. http://journal.ikipsiliwangi.ac.id/index.php/collase/article/view/24829%0Ahttp://journal.ikipsiliwangi.ac.id/index.php/collase/article/download/24829/7379
Abdullah Syukur, & Ardhy Supraba. (2022). An Error Analysis on the Use of Simple Past Tense. DEIKTIS: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Dan Sastra, 2(2), 83–91. https://doi.org/10.53769/deiktis.v2i2.243
Ali, H., Zahara Nurani, R., Chandra, D., Studi Pendidikan Guru Sekolah Dasar, P., Peta No, J., Tawang, K., Tasikmalaya, K., & Barat, J. (2025). Analisis struktur naratif dalam kemampuan menulis teks narasi siswa kelas V SD. Journal of Elementary Education, 08(03), 3. https://doi.org/10.22460/collase.v8i3.27261
Alisoy, H. (2024). Exploring Language Acquisition: The Role of Native Language Interference in ESL Learners. Journal of Azerbaijan Language and Education Studies, 1(1), 50–66. https://doi.org/10.69760/jales.2024.00105
Alruwani, M. M., Senowarsito, & Andris Susanto, D. (2025). CHALLENGES IN PUNCTUATION USAGE AMONG LIBYAN EFL SECONDARY STUDENTS. English Review: Journal of English Education, 13(1), 397–406. https://doi.org/10.25134/erjee.v13i1.11649
Aprilia, Intan, Susanti, Elis, Setian, R. (2022). THE FACTORS EFFECTING STUDENTS LACK ABILITY IN WRITING NARRATIVE TEXT FOR EIGHT GRADERS OF SMP NEGERI 05 KOTABUMI ACADEMIC YEAR 2021/2022. Eralingua: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Asing Dan Sastra, 24(2), 151–154.
Arisman, R., & Haryanti, I. S. (2019). USING SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION TO IMPROVE STUDENTS’ READING ACHIEVEMENT ON NARRATIVE TEXT. English Community Journal, 3(1), 325. https://doi.org/10.32502/ecj.v3i1.1698
Creswell John, & David, C. (2018). fifth edition RESEARCH DESIGN Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approach. In European University Institute (Issue 2). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/PT/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32016R0679&from=PT%0Ahttp://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:52012PC0011:pt:NOT
Dias Hasna Sukmadewi, & Muhardila Fauziah. (2025). Analisis Kemampuan Menulis Teks Narasi Siswa Kelas V SD N Ketiwijayan. Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Kebudayaan (JURDIKBUD), 5(2), 112–123. https://doi.org/10.55606/jurdikbud.v5i2.5822
Eerland, A., & Zwaan, R. A. (2018). The Influence of Direct and Indirect Speech on Source Memory. Collabra: Psychology, 4(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1525/collabra.123
Fahira, F., & Arifin, S. (2024). The Analysis of Grammatical Errors in Narrative Texts Written by 10th Grade High School Students. Journal of Education Research, 5(4), 5191–5199. https://doi.org/10.37985/jer.v5i4.1629
Fanny, V. F. R., Juhansar, J., Amalia, U., & Prasetyoaji, A. (2022). Investigating EFL Students’ Tense Errors in Writing Narrative Text. International Journal of Business, Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (IJBHES), 4(2), 53–63. https://doi.org/10.46923/ijbhes.v4i2.172
Hanum, M., Wahyuni, S., & ZA, M. (2020). A descriptive of students critical reading skills in narrative texts. Jurnal Ilmiah Mahasiswa Pendidikan, 1(1), 1–9. http://r-cube.ritsumei.ac.jp/bitstream/10367/8129/1/5. LARKING Malcolm(APLJ_vol.2).pdf
Kartini, T. W. A. (2022). ERROR ANALYSIS ON THE USE SIMPLE PAST TENSE IN NARRATIVE TEXT. ETNOLINGUAL, 6(1), 51–58. https://doi.org/10.20473/etno.v6i1.34122
Machmud, S. D., Wijaya, M., & ... (2023). the Influence of Problem-Based Learning Model Towards Students Writing Skills in Learning English. … on Education. http://www.jurnal.serambimekkah.ac.id/index.php/ice/article/view/309%0Ahttp://www.jurnal.serambimekkah.ac.id/index.php/ice/article/download/309/233
Mukhofifah, M., & Ekaningsih, N. (2023). THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION TECHNIQUE TO IMPROVE STUDENTS’ ENGLISH READING COMPREHENSION OF NARRATIVE TEXT. Prominent, 6(1), 46–58. https://doi.org/10.24176/pro.v6i1.8677
Naserly, K. M. (2023). Analisis Kesalahan Simple Past Tense pada Materi Kuliah Bahasa Inggris Dasar (Studi Kasus pada Kelas 64.1C.25 Jurusan Manajemen Fakultas Ekonomi & Bisnis 2022/2023 UBSI) Mursyid. Journal on Education, 06(01), 6363–6369.
Oviogun, P. V., & Veerdee, P. S. (2020). Definition of language and linguistics: basic competence. Macrolinguistics and Microlinguistics, 1(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.21744/mami.v1n1.1
Perkins, K., & Zhang, L. J. (2024). The Effect of First Language Transfer on Second Language Acquisition and Learning: From Contrastive Analysis to Contemporary Neuroimaging. RELC Journal, 55(1), 162–178. https://doi.org/10.1177/00336882221081894
Putri, A. H., & Maisarah, I. (2023). Analysis of Moral Value in Narrative Text of Senior High School English Textbooks. Journal of English for Specific Purposes in Indonesia, 2(2), 82–88. https://doi.org/10.33369/espindonesia.v2i2.28044
Rahmasari, B. S., Munir, A., & Adi Nugroho, H. (2024). The role of peer tutoring integrated with KWL charts in the development of students’ inferential skills. Cogent Education, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2024.2335810
Rizki, P., Fatahillah, W., & Vancito, M. (2024). AN ANALYSIS OF STUDENTS DIFFICULTY IN WRITING NARRATIVE TEXT IN CLASS X OF SMK NEGERI 1 KUTACANE ACADEMIC YEAR. Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Dan Pengajaran, 3(1). file:///C:/Users/user/Downloads/12.+PUTRI+RIZKI+125-134.pdf
Setiawan, I., & Fahriany, F. (2017). MORAL VALUES IN NARRATIVE TEXTS OF ENGLISH TEXTBOOKS FOR SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS PUBLISHED BY THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND CULTURE. IJEE (INDONESIAN JOURNAL OF ENGLISH EDUCATION), 4, 130–143. https://doi.org/10.15408/ijee.v4i2.5977
Sholikha, A. A., & Indriani, L. (2021). Adverb of Time Analysis on Novel “After the Ending” By Lindsey Fairleigh. SALEE: Study of Applied Linguistics and English Education, 2(2), 155–162. https://doi.org/10.35961/salee.v2i02.270
Silalahi, D. F., Sidabutar, D. O., Arihta, J., Purba, M. R., Angita, N., Situmorang, R. R., & Puteri, A. (2025). Pemanfaatan Cerita Rakyat sebagai Materi Pembelajaran Bahasa Indonesia untuk Menumbuhkan Karakter Bangsa. Journal of Citizen Research and Development, 2(1), 424–428. https://doi.org/10.57235/jcrd.v2i1.4678
Siregar, N., Firmansyah, F., & Harahap, Y. S. (2023). Developing Students’ Worksheet for English Language Teaching to Cope with the 4C’s Skill Through Project Based Learning. Jurnal Paedagogy, 10(1), 44. https://doi.org/10.33394/jp.v10i1.6286
Tampubolon, Veronika Angelina Tarigan, N. W. P. W. (2022). Teaching English and Language Learning English Journal (TELLE). Teaching English and Language Learning English Journal (TELLE) PERCEPTION, 02(02), 138–147.
Uyar, T., & Erozan, F. (2024). English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Teachers’ Voices: English as an International Language (EIL) in Cyprus Context. Sage Open, 14(3), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440241271170
van den Broek, G. S. E., Wesseling, E., Huijssen, L., Lettink, M., & van Gog, T. (2022). Vocabulary Learning During Reading: Benefits of Contextual Inferences Versus Retrieval Opportunities. Cognitive Science, 46(4), 1–28. https://doi.org/10.1111/cogs.13135
Yulianti, I., Indihadi, D., & Saputra, E. R. (2025). Analisis instrumen penilaian keterampilan menulis teks narasi peserta didik sekolah dasar. Journal of Elementary Education, 08(03), 501–508. http://journal.ikipsiliwangi.ac.id/index.php/collase/article/view/24829%0Ahttp://journal.ikipsiliwangi.ac.id/index.php/collase/article/download/24829/7379
Zuhro, C., & Budi, A. S. (2023). Indonesian Lexical Interference in the Students’ Descriptive Writing Texts of Politeknik Negeri Jember. Journal of English in Academic and Professional Communication, 9(2), 90–95. https://doi.org/10.25047/jeapco.v9i2.4009
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