Lexical and Linguistic Competencies of Grade 7 Students of Dacanlao G. Agoncillo National High School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Learning and understanding the English language is always in demand knowing that English is considered the second language in most countries nationwide. It is the medium of instruction in schools and universities and even in government and in business. This study identified the lexical and linguistic competencies of Grade 7 students. The result of the study was the basis of the language communicative activities developed which the students used to develop their competencies.

METHODS

A descriptive method of research in gathering and analyzing data on the level of lexical and linguistic competencies of Grade 7 students of Dacanlao Gregorio Agoncillo National High School as basis of proposed communicative language exercises. The researcher formulated test question used in assessing student's lexical and linguistic competencies. The teacher-made test was administered to the respondents after the pilot testing and revisions have made.

RESULTS

Based on the result of the teacher made test administered to the respondents, Grade 7 students have a low level of performance in lexical competency. In items which require the students to identify the synonyms of the given words through context clue, the mean proficiency score (MPS) is only 40.46%. On the other hand, only 22.77% of the respondents acquire the proper answer on items regarding antonyms, while 57.92% of the students get the answer on items testing their knowledge on heteronyms. Additionally, 33.85% of them had a correct response on the test items about word formation. On numbers asking the respondents to choose the most appropriate word to complete the given sentences, 50.54% of the participants got the answers correctly. Lastly, 44.92% had a correct answer on items which required them to determine the correct word parts. The data gathered shows that students' level of performance is low in lexical competence in terms synonyms, antonyms, heteronyms, choice of words, word formation and word parts. The study also revealed that Grade 7 students have low level of performance in linguistic competence relative to subject-verb agreement, use of pronouns, determiners, adjectives and adverbs. The mean proficiency score in the test items on observing correct subject-verb agreement is 55.77%. On the test items regarding the correct use of pronouns, the mean proficiency score of 51.69% was obtained, 50.54% was the acquired MPS on test on the use of adjectives, 29.92% on the items requiring for the utilization of accurate determiners and lastly, 37.23% was the MPS on the items about the correct use of adverbs.

DISCUSSIONS

The results the need for additional activities and language exercises to help Grade 7 students in improving their lexical and linguistic competencies. This will enhance students' learning through practice