KEMAMPUAN PENALARAN SISWA KELAS VII SMPI DARUDDA'WAH DALAM MENYELESAIKAN SOAL HOTS MATERI BILANGAN BULAT

The purpose of this research is to characterise the reasoning capacity for completing HOTS problems using integers. This study takes a descriptive approach to qualitative research. The seventh graders of the 2024–2025 academic year at SMPI Darudda'wah Punggur were the subjects of this study. The reasoning abilities of all fourteen students in a single class were assessed using a validated questionnaire instrument based on the HOTS cognitive level questions C4, C5, and C6. Two students scored very well in the reasoning area, three students scored well, seven students require reinforcement, and two students need assistance, according to the findings of the response analysis. Interviews with four students who exemplified the reasoning category corroborated the findings of the response analysis. According to the interview findings, in order to improve one's mathematical reasoning abilities, one must have the following skills: grasp complex ideas, notice patterns and regularities, make reasonable inferences, gather supporting evidence, construct sound arguments, and establish causal links. Students need to be familiarized with HOTS-based problem exercises that are contextual and challenging, this will encourage students to think deeper, more structured, and more meaningful, and prepare themselves for assessments that emphasize reasoning.