Descriptive Text: Definition, Structure, Language Features, and Example
Have you ever described your favorite place, your best friend, your pet, or a famous building? If yes, you have probably used a descriptive text.
Descriptive text is used to describe a specific person, place, animal, object, or thing. In this lesson, we will learn descriptive text in easy English.
What Is Descriptive Text?
Descriptive text is a text that describes a specific object, person, animal, place, or thing. The purpose is to help readers imagine what something looks like, feels like, sounds like, or is like.
Descriptive text helps readers picture something clearly in their mind.
Social Function of Descriptive Text
The social function of descriptive text is to describe a particular person, place, animal, object, or thing in detail. It gives clear information about the characteristics of the subject.
Generic Structure of Descriptive Text
A descriptive text usually has two main parts:
1. Identification
This part introduces the subject that will be described.
Example: Borobudur is a famous temple in Indonesia.
2. Description
This part describes the features, qualities, parts, or characteristics of the subject.
Example: It has many stone reliefs and stupas.
Language Features of Descriptive Text
Descriptive text usually uses some language features, such as:
- Using simple present tense: Borobudur is a famous temple.
- Using specific participants: Borobudur Temple, my cat, my mother, Bali
- Using adjectives: beautiful, large, old, friendly, clean, famous
- Using relating verbs: is, are, has, have
- Using noun phrases: a beautiful temple, a small island, thick fur
- Using adverbs: very, really, extremely, quite
Example of Descriptive Text
My Favorite Place
Identification
My favorite place is a small library near my house. It is not very big, but it is comfortable and peaceful.
Description
The library has many books, clean tables, and soft chairs. The walls are painted light blue, so the room feels calm. There are also large windows that make the room bright during the day.
I like this library because it is quiet. I can read books, study English, and do my homework there. The staff are friendly, and the place is always clean. For me, this small library is the best place to study.
Why Is This Text a Descriptive Text?
This text is a descriptive text because it describes a specific place: a small library. It tells readers about the library’s appearance, atmosphere, and special qualities.
Practice Questions
Try to answer these questions first. Click each question to see the answer.
1. What is the purpose of descriptive text?
The purpose of descriptive text is to describe a specific person, place, animal, object, or thing in detail.
2. What are the two main parts of descriptive text?
The two main parts are identification and description.
3. What is the subject in the example text?
The subject is a small library near the writer’s house.
4. Mention two adjectives used in descriptive text.
Examples: beautiful, large, old, friendly, clean, famous, comfortable, and peaceful.
5. Why is “My Favorite Place” a descriptive text?
Because it describes a specific place and gives details about its appearance and qualities.
Conclusion
Descriptive text is used to describe a specific person, place, animal, object, or thing. It usually has identification and description. To write a good descriptive text, choose one clear subject and describe it with simple, specific details.
