DIFFICULTIES IN SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT FACED BY THE ENGLISH EDUCATION STUDY PROGRAM STUDENTS AT UNIVERSITY OF BENGKULU

This study aims to identify the difficulties faced by third-semester students of the
English Education Study Program at the University of Bengkulu in understanding
subject-verb agreement rules. The research employed a descriptive quantitative
approach, involving 70 students from the 2024/2025 academic year as research
participants. The instrument used was a multiple-choice test consisting of 70 questions
covering 15 types of subject-verb agreement. Data analysis was conducted using
descriptive statistics, calculating percentages and average scores to determine the most
challenging aspects. The results showed that most students demonstrated a good
understanding of subject-verb agreement, with 45.71% categorized as "excellent" and
44.29% as "good." However, significant difficulties were found in certain aspects,
particularly in the use of gerunds as subjects (75.71% incorrect answers), linking verbs
(60% incorrect answers), as well as some types of modal verbs and phrasal verbs. These
findings highlight the need for more targeted teaching methods and additional practice
in specific areas of subject-verb agreement to improve students' grammar proficiency.
This study is expected to provide valuable insights for educators in designing more
effective and student-centered learning materials.
Keywords: Subject-Verb Agreement, Student Difficulties, English Grammar