Enhancing students’ vocabularies through synonym and antonym quizzes at Senior High School in Tana Toraja

Abstract

Learning vocabulary in senior high school is crucial for understanding synonyms and antonyms. The students need to understand the meaning of the words. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of synonym and antonym quizzes in improving first-year students' vocabulary at SMAN 2 Tana Toraja. This study used a pre-experimental method with a group pre-test and post-test. The study population comprised first-year students at SMAN 2 Tana Toraja in the academic year 2025/2026. Class IPS was selected as a sample, consisting of 25 students. The instrument for this study was a vocabulary test administered as a pre- and post-test. Findings reveal that using synonym and antonym quizzes can improve the vocabulary of the first-year students of SMAN 2 Tana Toraja. The score of the pre-test showed ‘very poor’, while the score of the post-test is generally ‘good’. The data were analysed using degrees of freedom (df = 24). The t-test result showed a significant difference from the t-table value; hence, the hypothesis is accepted. Findings reveal that using synonym and antonym quizzes enhances the students’ vocabulary. This is because the Quiz is an activity with rules, a goal, and an element of fun, which students find interesting. Students can learn while they are playing. It can brighten up the class and bring more variety to the language.