Abstrak
“ A Case Study on Male and Female Writing Ability in Descriptive Text at Grade XI of SMAN 1 Mandah”, A Thesis, State Islamic University of Bukittinggi, 2025.This study investigates the differences in descriptive writing ability between male and female students at Grade XI IPA 1 of SMAN 1 Mandah. The research was motivated by findings that contradicted several previous studies, which generally stated that female students tend to outperform male students in writing. The aim of this research was to explore the underlying factors contributing to the observed differences and to offer recommendations for appropriate instructional strategies to support both groups effectively.This research employed a qualitative method with a case study approach. Data were gathered through interviews with teachers and students, as well as classroom observations. The data analysis technique followed the Miles and Huberman model, involving stages of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The focus was to deeply understand the students’ writing processes and the context that influenced their performance. The results revealed that the main factors influencing descriptive writing ability were motivation, learning environment, and the use of digital technology. Female students showed strong intrinsic motivation and were more attentive to detail, while male students thrived in competitive environments and utilized digital tools to explore ideas. Teacher-student relationships and feedback played supporting roles, impacting only certain individuals. These findings suggest that gender-responsive strategies are needed to enhance writing instruction effectively.