Developong Writing Descriptive Text Based on Angkola Mandailing Culture at SMK Kesehatan Darmais Padangsidempuan

Abstract

This research aimed to develop valid and effective English teaching materials for writing descriptive texts based on Angkola Mandailing culture for students of SMK Kesehatan Darmais Padangsidimpuan. The study employed a research and development design using the ADDIE model, covering the phases of analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. The needs analysis involved 20 tenth-grade students and showed that they considered descriptive writing important, preferred contextual topics linked to daily life and local culture, and needed support in vocabulary and grammar. The product consisted of descriptive writing materials integrating cultural content such as Sampuraga hot spring and Sipirok batik, accompanied by vocabulary lists, grammar focus, and structured writing tasks. Expert validation by material and media specialists indicated very high validity, with an overall score of 90.15%, confirming that the content, language, presentation, and layout were highly appropriate. Implementation in a small group try-out demonstrated that students’ mean writing scores improved from the “poor” category in the pre-test (mean 59.35) to the “good” category in the post-test (mean 81.30), with all students moving into at least “fairly good” and most into “good” or “very good” categories. These findings indicate that descriptive writing materials based on Angkola Mandailing culture are valid, feasible, and effective in enhancing students’ descriptive writing skills