IMPROVING STUDENTS’ READING COMPREHENSION BY USING PREVIEW QUESTION READ SUMMARIZE TEST (PQRST) STRATEGY AT SMP SWASTA YABES SCHOOL GRADE 7 ACADEMIC YEAR 2024-2025

Abstract

This study aims to improve the reading comprehension of seventh-grade students at SMP Swasta Yabes School through the implementation of the PQRST (Preview, Question, Read, Summarize, Test) strategy. The main problem faced by the students was their difficulty in understanding text content, identifying main ideas, and recalling important information. This classroom action research (CAR) employed a two-cycle design, where each cycle consisted of planning, action, observation, and reflection. The subjects of the study were 30 seventh-grade students in the 2024-2025 academic year. Qualitative data were collected through observation sheets, field notes, and interviews, while quantitative data were obtained from pre-tests and post-tests. The results showed a significant improvement in students’ reading comprehension. The average pre-test score of 65.5 increased to 78.2 in the Cycle I post-test and further to 87.5 in the Cycle II post-test. Additionally, observation results indicated an increase in students' participation and motivation in reading activities. It can be concluded that the PQRST strategy is effective in improving the reading comprehension of seventh-grade students at SMP Swasta Yabes School.