Anisa Eka Yuliani. Improving Writing Skills Through HOTS Instructions. Thesis. English Education Department, Universitas Muhammadiyah Ponorogo. Advisor 1 Dr. Ana Maghfiroh, M.Pd., Advisor 2 Rohfin Andria Gestanti, S.Pd., M.Pd.
Writing is one of the important English language skills because it allows students to convey ideas while also demonstrating critical thinking abilities. However, many students still struggle with developing ideas, structuring texts coherently, and producing coherent writing. The issue is related to the learning process, which still focuses more on Lower Order Thinking Skills (LOTS) rather than Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS). Therefore, this research aims to improve students' writing skills through the application of HOTS-based learning by integrating guiding questions and Small Group Discussion (SGD).
This research uses the Classroom Action Research (CAR) method conducted at SMAN 1 Ponorogo with the subject being 10th-grade students for the 2025/2026 academic year. The research was conducted in two cycles, which can be continued if the success indicators have not been achieved.
Research data were collected through writing tests, classroom observations, documentation, and questionnaires. Students' writing skills were assessed using an analytical rubric that includes aspects of content, organization, word choice, sentence structure, and mechanics. Quantitative data were analyzed by comparing writing test results in each cycle, while qualitative data were analyzed through data condensation, categorization, interpretation, and triangulation. The implementation of HOTS-based learning is expected to improve students' writing skills through the development of critical thinking abilities, active participation, and collaborative learning. The results of this research are expected to contribute to English teachers in applying HOTS-based writing instruction and to serve as a reference for developing more effective writing teaching strategies in the context of English as a Foreign Language (EFL).