IMPROVING SPEAKING SKILLS OF THE EIGHTH- GRADE STUDENTS OF SMP NEGERI 7 MENGWI BY USING ROLE-PLAY IN THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2024/2025

The research investigates how role-play techniques help grade VIII students at SMP Negeri 7 Mengwi develop their speaking abilities for the academic years 2024/2025. Classroom Action Research (CAR) was utilized with two cycles followed by two sessions for the research. The research data demonstrated noticeable enhancements in student speaking abilities since pre-test scores reached 67 but first post-test results showed an elevation to 78 and second post-test scores reached 80. Using role-play as a technique developed students' speaking competencies in addition to making their learning environment interactive and enjoyable. The students accepted role-play activities positively and developed better speaking confidence. This pedagogical method helps students work together which develops their communication skills and builds supportive relations among participants. The survey indicated that 97% of students approved of role-play methodology as a learning method. The research demonstrates role-play functions as an efficient educational approach to advance students' ability to speak. The instructional practice of role-playing should be a standard component of teachers' planned educational activities because it produces dynamic educational settings while strengthening students' verbal capability development. Research needs to expand to determine how role-play methods impact student language development at various learning moments.