Introduction to Extensive Reading Using Graded Reader Books on Junior High School Students In East Jakarta

Abstract

This community service program aims to improve the competence of students in reading English texts through the introduction of extensive reading using a graded reader book. This activity was carried out at Al Qolam and Uswatun Hasanah Junior High School in East Jakarta. Graded reader’s book level 2 and 3 are used in the extensive reading class which are selected based on the student's level of ability and the number of words used in the reading text. To see the results of this extensive reading activity, a reading test is given to students in the form of multiple choice questions. Test results show that extensive reading activities can improve students' reading abilities with an average test score of 70 for Al Qolam Middle School and 81 for Uswatun Hasanah Middle School. This extensive reading class also attracts students' attention because those who are accustomed to using Student Worksheets (LKS) for daily practice become more interested in learning English when using a graded reader book because of the appropriate level of vocabulary and story text that is full of illustrations and pictures. The teachers also stated that the pronunciation and writing ability of their students have better developed after this activity was carried out. Keywords : Extensive reading, graded reader, text