5
CHAPTER II THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
This theoretical framework consists of two parts. The first part is simple past tense which covers the definition of simple past tense, the use of simple past
tense, and regular and irregular verbs. The second part is cooperative learning which covers the definition of cooperative learning, the elements of cooperative
learning, the principles of cooperative learning, and the definition of jigsaw technique.
A. Simple Past Tense
1. Definition of Simple Past Tense
The simple past indicates that an activity or situation began and ended at a particular time in the past
2
. Simple is not complicated or easy to understand and used to describe the present or past tense of a verb that
is formed without using an auxiliary verb
3
. The past tense places an event definitely in the past. The time of the action is identified such as
yesterday, last summer, after work on Friday, etc. From this definition the writer argues that simple past is used to an event, situation or activity
that happen in the past. According to Marcella Frank, the simple past tense represents
definite past. It refers to event that was completed before the statement is made. It is often accompanied by such expressions of definite past as
yesterday, last year, two weeks ago
4
. The writer identifies that the simple past indicates event in the past, use definite past, and the activity was
completed.
2
Betty Azar Schrampfer, Understanding and Using English Grammar, New Jersey: Prentice Hall Regents, 1989, p. 24.
3
A.S. Hornby, Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary International Student’s Edition,
Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000, p. 1248.
4
Marcella Frank, Modern English: Exercise for Non-native Speakers, Part I: Parts of Speech, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 1997, p. 49.
Therefore a past event should be presented in past tense and past tense use definite past such as last month, yesterday, two days ago, etc.
2. The Use of Simple Past Tense
The use of the simple past verb form is as follows
5
: a.
To refer to actions that happened at a definite time in the past. a
He completed his laboratory experiment yesterday.
Yesterday indicates the time of the action. b
John built this house in 1947.
In 1947 indicates the time of the action c
How did you break the window?
The time of action is not mentioned here but the action obviously took place in the past.
d
He completed his laboratory experiment two days ago.
Note: The word ago is usually associated with the simple past tense. It points to a date or period of time which is measured back
from the present. b.
To refer to actions which happened over a period of time in the past. a
She lived in the city for a long time.
b
All last year, they travelled round the world.
c. To refer to a past habit.
a
Smiths never drank coffee.
b
They always drove to work.
According to Elaine Kim, the simple past tense is used to talk about completed past events and activities
6
. In conclusion, there are three use of simple past tense. It is to tell habit in the past, event in the definite
time in the past, and period time in the past.
5
Kam Chuan Aik and Kam Kai Hui, Longman Dictionary of Grammar and Usage, Singapore: Longman, 1992, p. 297.
6
Elaine Kim and Darcy Jack, Interactions 1 Grammar, New Jersey: prentice-Hall, Inc, 1989, p. 24.
3. Regular and Irregular Verbs
