DESCRIPTIVE TEXT: MATERIAL
Definition of Descriptive Text
Descriptive Text is a type of text that describes a particular person, animal, thing, place, or other object in detail.
The writer provides specific information about the object so that the readers can imagine and understand what the object looks like, what it is like, or what characteristics it has.
A descriptive text focuses on one particular object, not an object in general.
Example:
If you want to write about a cat, you can describe your own pet cat, including its color, size, appearance, behavior, and personality.
You should not simply describe cats in general.
Purpose of Descriptive Text
The main purpose of descriptive text is:
To describe a particular object in detail.
The object can be:
- a person;
- an animal;
- a thing;
- a place; or
- another specific object.
A good descriptive text provides enough details to help readers create a clear picture of the object in their minds.
Example:
If the topic is a person, the writer may describe:
- physical appearance;
- age;
- height;
- hair;
- eyes;
- personality;
- hobbies; and
- habits.
Generic Structure of Descriptive Text
Descriptive Text has two main parts:
A. Identification
Identification introduces the object that will be described.
This section answers questions such as:
- Who is the person?
- What is the object?
- Where is the place?
- What is the name of the object?
- Where does the object come from?
Example:
My best friend is Hanni. She is my classmate at junior high school. She is thirteen years old.
This paragraph introduces Hanni as the object being described.
B. Description
Description provides detailed information about the object.
The writer may describe:
- physical appearance;
- characteristics;
- personality;
- behavior;
- size;
- color;
- shape;
- location;
- function;
- habits; or
- other specific details.
Example:
Hanni is very pretty. She has an oval face, round eyes, a pointed nose, and long black hair. She is also smart and friendly.
The paragraph provides specific details about Hanni’s appearance and personality.
Structure at a Glance
| Structure | Function |
|---|---|
| Identification | Introduces the particular object being described. |
| Description | Provides detailed information about the object’s characteristics. |
Simple Formula:
IDENTIFICATION → DESCRIPTION
Language Features of Descriptive Text
Descriptive Text has several important language features.
A. Adjectives
Adjectives are words used to describe the characteristics of an object.
Common adjectives include:
| Adjective | Meaning |
|---|---|
| beautiful | cantik/indah |
| handsome | tampan |
| tall | tinggi |
| short | pendek |
| big | besar |
| small | kecil |
| long | panjang |
| friendly | ramah |
| smart | pintar |
| kind | baik |
| clean | bersih |
| beautiful | indah |
Example:
Hanni is pretty and friendly.
She has long black hair.
The words pretty, friendly, and long are adjectives.
Simple Present Tense
Descriptive Text commonly uses the Simple Present Tense because the text generally describes facts, characteristics, conditions, or habits that are true in the present.
Examples:
She has long black hair.
He is very friendly.
The school has a large garden.
My cat likes fish.
Basic Patterns
Nominal Sentence
Subject + am/is/are + complement
Examples:
She is beautiful.
They are friendly.
Verbal Sentence
Subject + V1 / V1(s/es) + object/complement
Examples:
She likes dancing.
He plays football.
My cat eats fish.
Adverbs of Frequency
Adverbs of frequency are words used to describe how often an activity happens.
They can be used in descriptive texts when the writer wants to describe an object’s habits or regular activities.
Common adverbs of frequency include:
- always
- usually
- often
- sometimes
- rarely
- never
Examples:
She always helps her friends.
He often plays football after school.
My cat usually sleeps on the sofa.
The words always, often, and usually describe the frequency of an activity.
Example of Descriptive Text
My Best Friend, Hanni
Identification
Let me introduce you to my best friend. Her name is Hanni. She is my classmate in Junior High School. She is thirteen years old.
Description
Hanni is very pretty. She has an oval face, round eyes, a pointed nose, and long black hair. Her skin is fair. She also has a slim body and is quite tall. She is 155 centimeters tall.
Hanni really loves singing and dancing. She joins the dance club as her extracurricular activity at school. She is smart and friendly. She often helps me with my homework and always respects the elders. Everyone loves her.
How to Identify a Descriptive Text
To identify a descriptive text, ask yourself these questions:
1. What is being described?
Is it a:
- person?
- animal?
- place?
- thing?
- particular object?
2. Is the object specific?
A descriptive text normally focuses on one particular object.
3. Does the text provide detailed characteristics?
Look for information about:
- appearance;
- size;
- color;
- shape;
- personality;
- behavior;
- habits; or
- other characteristics.
4. What tense is mostly used?
Descriptive texts generally use the Simple Present Tense.
5. Are there many adjectives?
Look for words such as:
beautiful, tall, small, friendly, clean, large, smart, etc.
Important Points to Remember
A Descriptive Text:
- Describes a particular object.
- Provides detailed information.
- Usually consists of Identification and Description.
- Commonly uses adjectives.
- Generally uses the Simple Present Tense.
- May use adverbs of frequency to describe habits.
- Can describe people, animals, things, places, and other specific objects.
Remember:
Descriptive Text = Identify the Object + Describe Its Characteristics
IDENTIFICATION → DESCRIPTION