1
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION
The first chapter deals with the background of the study, the reasons for choosing the topic, the statement of the problem, the objectives of the study , the
significances of the study, the limitations of the study and the outline of the thesis.
1.1 Background of the Study
Language is basically a means to communicate ideas, thoughts, opinions and feelings. Finochhiaro 1974:1 states that,
Language is a system of arbitrary, vocal symbol which permits all people in a given culture or other people who have learned the system of that culture to
communicate or to interact with one another. It is a human activity, which keeps human being apart from other
creatures in the world. English can be useful not only in interpersonal communication, but also
in representation of writing science and technology. As one of languages in the world, English is very important, because it is one of international language which
is required as a bridge of communication. Brumfit 1981:1 supports that, English is an international language and the most widespread medium of
communication because of both the number and geographical areas of its speakers and because of the large number of nonnative speakers who use it for part of their
international contact.
2
In Indonesia, English has an important role especially in education Ramelan, 1992:3. That is the reason why the government of Indonesia chooses
English as the first foreign language in Indonesia. Based on the School Based curriculum KTSP of the English curriculum
2006 the English teaching aim is to develop the four language skills. They are listening, reading, speaking and writing. Brumfit 1981: 2 states that students
have a task to absorb knowledge mostly written in English as an international language. Therefore, teaching English as the main role of improving students’
skills in English. Writing is more complex than the other skills. In writing, students should
have mastery not only of the grammatical and theoretical devices but also of conceptual and judgment.
English teacher has a great challenge to encourage students learning English successfully. Hamalik 1993:18 states that media are used to motivate
students in learning. Using comics is an alternative way to support teaching English. Hopefully, comic will be able to stimulate the students to keep their mind
on the material the teacher given. By using the comics, the students can make their own written well. Hopefully, they can improve their writing skill
successfully. In this research, the writer wants to study the students’ ability in writing
text based on the comics. It is important to know how effective using comic to motivate students in learning English.
3
1.2 Reasons for Choosing the Topic
