Improving students` Speaking Skill through Mind Mapping of Descriptive Texts at Grade X-1 Computer and Network Technic (TKJ) of SMK N 1 Panyabungan, Mandailing Natal – North Sumatera.

There were two problem faced by the students at grade X-1 Computer and Network technic (TKJ) of SMK N 1 Panyabungan in speaking descriptive texts. First, students speaking skill of Descriptive Texts was still low. Second, the teacher teaching strategies were not used optimally yet. These problems were the major factors that determined the students` difficulties in speaking descriptive texts. The purpose of this research were to find out whether Mind Mapping can improve students` speaking skill of Descriptive Texts at grade X-1 of SMK N 1 Panyabungan, and to explain the factors that the cause the improvement of students` speaking skill through Mind Mapping of Descriptive Texts. This research is classified into classroom action research. The data were collected through speaking performance test, observation, and interview. Speaking test was intended for assessing speaking skill. Observation for observing activities further information. The findings of the research have answered the question that Mind Mapping technique could improve students` speaking skill of Descriptive Texts. The factors that influence the increasing of students` score were using unknown teaching material, interesting media, and the procedures of Mind Mapping gave the chance to the students to prepare their speaking for activating their background knowledge about the topic till they could get information from the topic described. At last, teacher plays an important role on encouraging students` attention and motivation also supported the improvement.