Harmer 2007: 136 suggests that the teacher can make cue cards in various ways. She or he can take pictures from magazines and stick them on card. She or he
also can draw the pictures, buy reproductions, photographs, and posters from shops, or photocopy them from a variety of sources.
B. Relevant Research Studies
There are some previous research studies about cue cards. A study done by Nasikhatun Listya Atika Farah 2013 which investigated the use of cue card found
that the use of this media in combination with other accompanying actions i.e. use of classroom English, listening activity and games improved students’ speaking skills.
A research written by Gallis Nawang Ginusti 2014 entitled “Improving the Speaking Skills of Grade VIII Students of SMP Negeri 2 Godean through Pictures”
proved that the use of picture improved the students’ skills in producing the language, especially in speaking ability. The actions made significant improvements of the
students’ speaking skills. Another research study conducted by Halimatus Sa’diyah 2011 entitled
“Improving Students’ Ability in Writing Descriptive Texts Through a Picture Series- Aided Learning Strategy”. This study proved that the students had a positive attitude
toward the use of the picture-series to learn descriptive text writing. Moreover, it was found from the observation data that the students participated actively in the learning
process.
In reference to the previous studies, cue card which also can be the form of picture is regarded as the effective media to improve students’ writing ability. Many
studies give positive result of the cue card. All the same, the students give big support for the application of cue card. That is why, the following research may make a
reference of those studies. This research aimed to improve students’ writing skill using cue card media.
The researcher not only used pictures but also clues to stimulate and motivate students in writing. This research found that, there was an improvement in students’
attitude towards writing and their writing score after the researcher implemented cue card as media in teaching and learning process.
To sum up, the use of cue cards can improve the students score, motivation, willingness, and creativity. It is also can help the teacher to deliver the material and
make the learning process become interesting. Therefore, cue card media is one of the best media to teach writing to the students.
C. Conceptual Framework
English is a second language for Indonesian student which is considered as one of the important subjects. For junior high school students, English seems to be a
difficult subject, especially the writing skill. The students find some difficulties such as bringing out the ideas, coherent and cohesive, and grammar. The fact is the
problems come from the learning process including the students themselves, teaching
