An Analysis of Students Word Choice in Writing A Paragaraph (a Case Study at English Departement of IAIN Zawiyah Cot Kala Langsa)

Writing is one of the four skills that are taught in English. In English teaching and learning process, there are four skills namely Listening, speaking, reading and writing. Writing ability is the most difficult and complicated language skill to be learn. word choice (diction) refers to the writer’s choice of an individual word. Acknowledging diction, the students recognize the choices of writer has made and inferred with possible reasons from it. It means that word choice is the degree of the clarity. This analysis study was an attempt to answer questions, is the word choice of student`s writing vivid, precise in using figurative language to paint picture, strong and clear meaning, word and phrases, catch reader`s mean. The source data of study were students at fourth semester of IAIN Zawiyah Cot Kala Langsa of Academic years 2013-2014. They are 25 samples. The result of analysis showed that students get score between 2 and 3. There were 14 (56%) essays considered as “Fair”, 6 (36%) compositions were categorized as “Developing” stage, and merely 2 (8%) composition could be determined as “Good” writing. Based on the result of the study, the students are suggested to learn much about word choice, synonyms, antonyms and read many books for vocabulary mastery and tone in writing a composition. Thus, these factors will improve the students’ writing.