Readability of Narrative Texts in Theme 8: Dalam Lipatan Kenangan in the Textbook Bahasa Melayu Tingkatan 4: An Analysis Using a Modified Fog Index
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55909/gj.v4i3.155Keywords:
readability, narrative text, theme 8, textbook, Fog Index modificationAbstract
Theme 8: Dalam Liptan Kenangan section of the Bahasa Melayu Tingkatan 4 textbook—published by the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka under the Ministry of Education, Malaysia (4th printing, 2023)—there are several narrative texts. Among these, two texts are particularly interesting for an analysis of their readability: the narrative ‘Singapura Diserang Todak’ on page 105, and the narrative titled ‘Sejarah Mendewasakan Kita’ on page 107. This study aims to describe: 1) the readability of the narrative text ‘Singapore Diserang Todak’ using a modified Fog Index; 2) the readability of the narrative text ‘Sejarah Mendewasakan Kita’ using a modified Fog Index.. The research was conducted in early 2026. The study population consists of three paragraphs from the narrative ‘Singapura Diserang Todak’. Paragraph 1 consists of 8 sentences, 120 words; paragraph 2 consists of 9 sentences, 113 words, and paragraph 3 consists of 5 sentences, 70 words) and five paragraphs from the text ‘Sejarah Mendewasakan Kita’. A total sampling method was employed. Data were collected using a non-test instrument—specifically, an observation guide—developed through objective and systematic procedures to ensure validity and reliability. Readability data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, namely frequency and percentage measures. A checklist was also utilized to validate the data and the results of the analysis. The findings indicate that: 1) the narrative text ‘Singapura Diserang Todak’ falls into the ‘easy to read’ category; and 2) the narrative text ‘Sejarah Mendewasakan Kita’ also falls into the ‘easy to read’ category.
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