Figure 2.4 Example of Picture prompts
The writer focused on the use of picture prompt as shown above on this research. The use of picture prompt is suitable for students in writing descriptive
which provide interesting picture and guided idea. Therefore, this kind of pictures can help students in writing descriptive and help them to stimulate their thinking.
Pictures can guide them to the reality. They can be described in different types that will determi
ne students‘ imaginations.
2.5.3 Advantages of Picture Prompts
In teaching writing, it can be more enjoyable if teachers use picture prompt to help students in writing skill. There are some advantages of picture prompt. The
pictures prompts are based on visual images that can stimulate the imagination. These images require interpretation and imagination. At the same time, all of the
students will develop a richer sense of visual literacy. The cue and provided vocabulary can help students to understand more and start to write their
descriptive text.
Based on Sinatra as cited by Malcolm, visual aid picture prompt has advantages in other literacy. It shows how visual language literacy not only occurs
first, but also is inter-linked to four other stages of literacy. He outlines the stages of literacy as: Visual literacy as primary ,that can viewing, exploring, and
nonverbal representation;Oral Literacy; Written Literacy ;Visual Literacy as representational communication - imaging, producing, aesthetic engagement.
There are also advantages of using visual aid picture prompts to
motivate the reader, promote creativity, serve as mental scaffolds, fostering aesthetic appreciation,
promote children‘s language and literacy. Those show us that it is really important to use picture prompt to help students in writing descriptive text.
From all of the statements above, picture prompt give more benefits than the students just write based on common picture. It is clear that the picture is a
tool in increasing students‘ motivation, especially in writing descriptive text.
2.5.4 Differences from Other Common Picture
Wright 1981: 193 stated that there are some kinds of picture based on type and use. There are picture with single object, picture with text, sequences picture and
so on. However those kinds of picture only help students in imagining the picture. To help students to gain idea and start to write need more than picture. In picture
prompt, there is kinds of pictures that are understandable for students and also interesting for students in learning English especially in learning descriptive text.
Therefore, the students are excited in the teaching and learning process accompanied by interesting pictures. This picture is different from other picture
because it also has some information and guided vocabulary. The students will enjoy learning English and will be motivated by the interesting picture.
2.7 Action Research
