Descriptive Text

The Definition and Purpose of Descriptive Text

Descriptive text is a text which say what a person or a thing is like. Its purpose is to describe and reveal a particular person, place, or thing. (specific).

Social Function      : To describe a particular person, places, or things.

Generic Structure  :

a.  Identification      : Identifies the phenomenon to be described.

b.  Description         : Describing the phenomenon (writer’s imagination) parts

                                  (physical appearance), qualities, characteristics. 

Significant language features:

ü    Focus on specific participants

ü    Using attributive and identifying process.

ü    Using adjective and classifiers in nominal group.

ü    Using simple present tense.

Example of descriptive text:

Jakarta

Jakarta is located on the northwest coast of Java Island, at the mouth of the Ciliwung river. It dominates Indonesian’s administrative, economy, cultural activities, and is a major commercial and transportation hub within Asia.

The climate is hot and humid. Rainfall occurs throughout the year. The heaviest rainfall is from November to May. The city lies on a flat, low plain and is likely to be affected by flood during period of heavy rainfall.