AN ANALYSIS OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS’ DIFFICULTIES IN DOING ENGLISH LISTENING TEST

Irma Oktaviani; Dodi Mulyadi; Testiana Wijayatiningsih

doi:10.33365/jeltl.v6i1.377

Irma Oktaviani Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarang
Dodi Mulyadi Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarang
Testiana Wijayatiningsih Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarang

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33365/jeltl.v6i1.377

Keywords: Listening comprehension, PTEL listening, Solutions, Students' difficulties

Abstract

Abstract. PTEL (Proficiency Test of English Language) is an English language test held by one of the private universities in Central Java as a graduation requirement, the test aims to measure students’ ability in English. This study aims to investigate the factors contributing to the difficulties encountered by students in doing the PTEL listening test. The participants of this research were 50 undergraduate students of a private university in Central Java. They have taken the PTEL test. The method used is mixed-methods research, which consists of quantitative and qualitative methods. The descriptive quantitative method was carried out using a closed-ended questionnaire, while the qualitative method was carried out using an open-ended questionnaire and interviews. The interview results showed that students often had difficulties with limited English vocabulary, different speakers’ accents, and the speech rate and duration of the audio. The respondents solved these problems by remaining focused so that their attention was not diverted by other things, repeating the audio when experiencing difficulties, and matching the vocabulary that was remembered with what was heard from the audio. The conclusion of the research shows that students face several external and internal factors in the PTEL Listening test. Students have difficulty with limited English vocabulary, different speakers’ accents, the speed and duration of the audio, and noise interference from other participants in the test room.

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