Example of puzzle with the clue of synonym
In this study, the researcher used the three types of clues for the puzzle in the implementation of the study. In the first cycle, the researcher applied only two
types of clue, sentence and picture based clue. While the synonym-based clue was applied in the second cycle as additional exercise if cycle I did not meet success.
2.6 The Characteristics of Crossword Puzzles
A crossword puzzle is kind of game which has five basic characteristics as Jones 2007 stated. They are the following:
1. Puzzles are competitive 2. Puzzles are rule-governed; that is, they have limited number of specific
and clearly defined rules
3. Puzzles are goal-defined, having a limited number of specific and well defined objectives
4. Puzzles have closure, that is there is a predetermined point at which a game is finished
5. Puzzles are engaging in that they seem to challenge and engage the participants
In this research, those five characteristics are used in constructing the crossword puzzles.
2.7 Crossword Puzzles in Vocabulary Teaching
The crossword puzzle is attracting, challenging, and relaxing. As stated by Karim and Hasbullah that an interesting technique in teaching language is the
crossword puzzle 1986:2.36. It means this type of puzzle can be applied in order to endure students’ interest and bring to students’ learning process. However, the
teacher may provide the puzzle, in this case, the crossword puzzles that fit the materials to be presented. In the concern of vocabulary teaching, a teacher should
provide a crossword puzzle that suits with the students’ ability.
The crossword puzzle is such a game. Along with the statement, Gerlach et al. 1981, in Rahayu, 2002:16 give steps for using games in teaching and
learning of vocabulary. They are the following: 1. Games is used to bring students awareness of the subject being studied
2. The teacher must construct his own objective before using games 3. Some teachers have had success in developing their own games,
frequently they involve the pupils in the development 4. The activity is not likely to be successful unless good instructions and
objectives are prepared at first. The teacher can design an easy and a simple crossword puzzle that is
suitable with the students’ ability. It is hoped that learning vocabulary by the
crossword puzzles will build the students’ enthusiastic and interest in studying
English vocabulary through the crossword puzzle. The teacher must insert words
that are used in the crossword puzzle and must be suited to the students’ ability so
that they are taken to the material closely.
2.8 The
