The background of the study is based on the phenomenon that students have difficulties in using WH-questions because the teacher teaches students using the conventional method without being supported by teaching method or strategy. The teacher does not teach to the students how to make and answer questions using WH-questions. Most of teacher just teach how to answer questions from WH-questions. The result is the students’ ability to speak is low. To improve students’ ability in using WH-questions, the teacher needs many techniques that are used in English language learning. Information gap is one of techniques that can be used in teaching speaking. Using Information gap technique, the students are able to use WH-questions easily.
The research questions are: How is the implementation of information gap technique to teach English WH-questions at 11th grade of MAN 2 Kudus? And How is the improvement of students’ ability in using WH-questions in sentences after being taught using information gap technique at 11th grade of MAN 2 Kudus?
This research is a classroom action research. It was done through two cycles with different types of learning material. Data collection technique use observation, interview, and test of speaking and writing. Data analysis technique use data analysis technique from observation and data analysis technique from the test.
The research finding shows a difference in achievement of students’ ability in using WH-questions after being treated by using information gap technique. The average of the students’ result in pre-cycle was 57.6, in the cycle I test was 72.13, and in cycle II test was 84.8.
Finally the result of this research shows that the students’ ability was improved in each cycle after they were taught using information gap technique. They were better in their speaking using WH-questions. It was signed by their improvements of each aspect, i.e: pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. The suggestion for students is the students could study and learn to improve their ability in speaking and writing, for English by improving their pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary from the media such as English newspaper, English magazine, radio, television, or even by listening to English song.