xxiv an element of writing which deals with a set of rules to help a writer to construct sentences that
make sense and applicable in English. When a paragraph or composition is written, grammar must be applied correctly in order to make the writing sensible and acceptable. It has something
to do with Heato s opi io
: stati g that g a
ati al skill is the a ilit to ite correct and appropriate sentences. Thus, it can be said that if someone wants to produce an
effective paragraph or composition, he or she has to know the grammar well. Consequently, if a writer wants to make a good writing, he or she should follow a very basic rules and conventions
of grammar to construct sentences. To make good sentences, here Fairbairn and Winch 1996: 1080 suggest some advices as follows:
a. Make sure that all of your sentences contain a main verb. It means that all sentences should
have main verb.
b. Make sure that verbs and nouns or pronoun agree. It means that the verbs, which are used
in sentences, should agree with its nouns or pronouns.
c. Ensure that tenses of verbs are consistent. It means that the verbs used in sentences should
be consistent to its tense.
d. Make sure that no crucial or grammatically significant words are missing. A writer has to
write sentences with grammatical words completely. Consequently, grammatically correct sentences in this research are concerned with
stude ts a ilit i iti g o e t se te es. I this ase, the se te e should ha e ai e and the verb should meet the grammar rules of the language.
2. Mechanical Skill
Mechanic skill is very essential in writing. It deals with the use of particular conventions in written language. Improper application of mechanical skill can make someone misunderstand the
message of a certain work of writing. Related to mechanical, Heaton 1991: 135 states that mechanical skill is the ability to use those conventions peculiar to the written language correctly.
xxv Furthermore, Heaton 1991: 135 uses the term mechanical skill for punctuation and spelling.
Therefore, the following section discusses further about them. Punctuation is one of the technical aspects of writing that makes the writing
understandable and communicative. In this case, Fairbairn and Winch 1996: 81 say that punctuation is a variety of devices that a writer uses in order to help readers to understand the
meaning of a piece of writing. The use of correct punctuation will help the readers to understand what the writer intends to communicate. Correct use of punctuation can help the writer
communicate confidently and without confusion. The writer must follow the rules and o e tio s of pu tuatio e ause e o s a ake the ite s essage u i te p eta le.
3. Vocabulary
Vocabulary deals with a list of words with meanings Hornby, 1995: 1331. Writing is a tool of communication in a written form. The writing will be understandable if the students have a
goof store of words and are able to use words appropriately. Without words, readers cannot understand about the content of writing because the ideas informed would be seen through the
words used. The words choice used in writing will influence the success of transforming message to the
reader. For that, choosing the words appropriately is important. Bramer and Sadley 1981: 181 state that if the words are not chosen with precision and care, part of the meaning will be lost.
Then, writing does not function fully in communicating meaning. The use of inappropriate words in writing will make the reader fail to understand. Therefore, the use of words must be precise to
convey the meaning accurately. Furthermore, English vocabulary includes noun, adjective, verb, adverb, preposition,
pronoun, conjunction, and article. In this research, the vocabulary skills are focused on the choice of verb, noun, adjective, and preposition. Verb is a word to express an action. It can be also a
fo of e Wi ge sk , et al., :
. “o e e a ples of e that e p ess a tio s a e go, run, and stay. Some examples of verbs that are a form of be are has, had, is, are and should.
xxvi Noun is a word to name or identify any class of thing, people, place or ideas Hornby, 1995: 791,
for example: John, flower, beauty, and chair. Adjective is a word that describes nouns or pronouns Wingersky, et al., 1996: 61, for example: her, some, good and beautiful. Preposition is
a word or a group of words. Those are used a noun or pronoun to show place, position, time or method Hornby, 1995: 111. For example: at, by, in, in front of and beside.
4. Organization
