Abstract:
This is a descriptive research. The objective of the research is to find out the
ability of the sixth semester students of English study program of FKIP of Riau
University in identifying theme and elements of plot in the short stories and to
identify the most difficult and easiest aspects for them. The research was
conducted at English Study Program of Riau University from April up to June, in
the academic year 2012-2013. The subjects of this research were 27 students of
class B at English study program of Riau University. The writer took the sample
by using cluster sampling. Before giving the real test, the writer did a try out to 27
students of class A to get validity and reliability of the test. After validating the
instrument, the real test was given to the students. After collecting the data, the
writer analyzed the result of the test by using statistical analysis as quoted from
Wayan and Sunartana based on theme and elements of plot; exposition, rising
action, climax, falling action, and resolution. The analysis found that the mean
score of the students in identifying theme was 49.37 which fell into Poor level.
Moreover, in identifying elements of plot, the most difficult part for the students is
in identifying exposition with the mean score 53.71 while the easiest part is
resolution with the mean score 70.37. Finally, based on the data finding, the
students’ ability in identifying theme and elements of plot was at Poor to Average
level.
