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6. The Mastery of Language
Since this study deals with the students’ mastery of prepositions, it is important to discuss further about the definition of the term mastery and the
criteria of mastery. The definition of the term mastery and the criteria of mastery are discussed because they serve as a basis for conducting the research.
a. Definition
Hagboldt 1935: 2 states, “We have a mastery of a certain language when our comprehension by ear is spontaneous; our reading is effortless and fluent; our
use of words, idioms and sentences in speech and writing habitual are skilful.” In this study, the writer focuses on the use of words, particularly prepositions at, in,
and on indicating time and place. Dealing with the study, someone is said to have mastered prepositions at, in, and on indicating time and place if he or she
understands the rules of using those prepositions and is able to use them correctly in sentences.
b. The Criteria of Mastery
Based on Peraturan Akademik Mahasiswa Universitas Sanata Dharma Yogyakarta 2002: 14, it is written that the minimum standard of the mastery is
56 of the maximum achievement. It means that the students who achieve 56 of the highest score are classified into the category of sufficient, while the overall
grading system is determined by the lecturers. The list of score category which is used to classify the students’ score is presented as follows.
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Score Category
80 – 100 Very Good A
70 – 79 Good B
56 – 69 Sufficient C
50 – 55 Insufficient D
≤ 49 Fail E
Based on the list of score category above, it could be assumed that if the students’ scores are below the minimum standard of mastery, they still have not
mastered prepositions at, in, and on, which indicate time and place, and they still have difficulties in using those three prepositions well.
B. Theoretical Framework
This section discusses the linked theories which are combined from the Theoretical Description. The use of those theories is intended to facilitate the
researcher to find out the answer of the research questions of this study, which are stated in Chapter I.
Grammar has played an important role in learning a second language. In order to acquire a certain language, a learner is required to learn the grammar of
the target language. English grammar consists of many elements. One of English grammar elements which is considered troublesome for most of the learners of
English is preposition. This statement is supported by Pittman 1974: 24 who said, “among those who teach or learn the English language, prepositions have
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