AN ANALYSIS OF STUDENTS’ READING ABILITY IN GUESSING MEANING OF UNFAMILIAR VOCABULARIES BASED ON GENDER

This research aims to find out the comparison of the extent male and female
students’ ability in guessing the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary. The research
design that used in this research was a descriptive quantitative method. The total
numbers as sample in this research were 28 students which consisted of 14 males
and 14 females by using random sampling technique. The data were analyzed based
on formula TCR Scale from Riduwan on Hanum, Legiman & Sriwahyuni,
converted score paper TOEFL test by Longman Complete Course for the TOEFL
Test, and Performance Descriptors for the TOEFL Test. From the findings of this
study weighted average for male student got categorized in Weak in TCR scales
range or D in alphabet and Below Low-Intermediate or A2 in CEFR level. Then,
the weighted average for female student got categorized in Enough in TCR scales
range or C+ in alphabet and Low-Intermediate or A2 in CEFR level. Whereupon,
the weighted average converted score for male is 43.43 and subsequently for female
is 49.43. The female students are categorized in enough level, while the male
students are categorized in weak level. Though the gap between these groups was
not very far enough, it clearly reflects the difference on the guessing meaning
capabilities.
Keywords: Reading, Vocabulary, Guessing Meaning, Gender, TOEFL