The analysis of methods of writing introductory and concluding paragraphs on English opinion column of The Jakarta Post

ABSTRACT

The researcher investigates the methods of introductory and concluding paragraphs on English opinion column of Jakarta Post, because both of them are important part of the text. If introduction has function to grab the reader’s attention to read the following paragraph, meanwhile, conclusion is to leave the reader with clear understanding. The significance of this research is expected to know how the writers develop the introduction and conclusion in the text English opinion column.

In this study, the researcher uses the descriptive qualitative method because the writer attempts to arrive at a rich description of words, phrases, and sentences in the English opinion column of Jakarta Post that needs to find the answer based on the research problems. The data source of this study is text taken from English opinion column of Jakarta Post during 1st up to 12th April, 2009. This study employs the researcher herself as the primary instrument to gather data. In this thesis, the writer analyzes many types of method introductory and concluding paragraphs that are used in the English opinion column of Jakarta Post and how are the writers use the method introductory and concluding paragraphs reflect to the opinion.

The result of this study show that introductory paragraph consist of three methods and two methods of concluding paragraph that occurs in those English opinion column of The Jakarta Post during 1st to 12th April, 2009. Besides, this analysis shows that the introductory and concluding paragraphs are used by bringing the impact that reflect in using method of introductory and concluding paragraph.

The finally of the research brings recommendation to the English reading, lectures, students, people who are interested in writing an article and also for the next researcher. To English reading and lecturers, the analysis of introductory and concluding paragraphs on English opinion column of Jakarta Post has faithful outcomes. This study can support students’ skill in writing. By this research, people who concern on writing article can decide to use the proper strategy of introductions that can grab the readers’ attention. Finally, to the next researcher of the similar area, the result of this research is hopefully can be used as a starting point to analyze more deeply about opinion writing.