2 The strategy used in this study is semantic mapping strategy which is focus on narrative reading comprehension for the eighth grade students of SMPN 6
Semarang in the academic year of 20122013.
1.8 Definition of Terms
The writer defines the terms are used in this study there are the term of reading comprehension, the term of semantic mapping strategy, the term of skimming and
scanning and the term of narrative text by the following: Mcknight 2000 believed that reading comprehension, or the
construction of meaning while reading, is the goal of reading and is not a solitary and simple process. It is a complex and dynamic process in which the reader
decodes the writer’s words and draws on his own background knowledge to construct understanding of the text that is similar to the writer’s intent.
Comprehension relies on the reader’s experiences, knowledge about language, knowledge of the text structures and genres, meta-cognitive, basic reasoning
abilities and active engagement. Heimlich, J. E., Pittelman, S. V. 1986 explained that a Semantic
Map is one type of graphic organizer. It helps students visually organize and graphically show the relationship between one piece of information and another.
This strategy has been identified by researchers as an excellent strategy for increasing vocabulary and improving reading comprehension. Semantic Mapping
Strategy can be used to find out the content and meaning of vocabulary in
narrative text form and will be treated by the stage of reading session so the role of Semantic Mapping Strategy can be seen from the result of students’ answer.
According to Wallace 2004 there are two methods of reading. These are careful reading and quick reading. Careful reading refers to the process of
critically reading the text while taking note of all details in order to enhance understanding of the text. Quick reading on the other hand can be done using two
techniques: Skimming and scanning. Maxwell 1975 defines skimming as the rapid processing of materials to
obtain the key ideas, and scanning as the ability to locate specific facts and information quickly. Skimming demands fast moving of eyes down a page in a
zigzag manner, looking for some words or phrases or sentences here and there to get the kernel of the material. Scanning demands a quick answer to a specific
question from the passages or chapters or even from a complete book and does not require reading of each and every word. They’re alike in that you don’t read all of
the material. They’re different in the way you go about each. In skimming, your purpose is quite different. You may be interested in the “gist” of an article, or you
may want to sample a book in the library before deciding to take it out. When you skim, you alternate read and glance, and your goal is to obtain an impression of
the whole. In scanning, you usually have a question to, or something specific to look for. It might be a telephone number, a particular quotation in a book, or
supporting facts to use in a discussion you’re having. When you scan, your goal is to find just the information you want. When you’ve found it, you’re finished
reading.
