Overview
This lecture explains the concept of descriptive text, its purpose, structure, and linguistic features, including examples and key definitions.
Understanding Descriptive Text
- Descriptive text provides a description of an object, which may be a person, place, animal, or thing.
- The main purpose is to describe specific characteristics of a particular subject.
Structure of Descriptive Text
- Descriptive text has two main parts: identification and description.
- Identification introduces the object that will be described, usually in the first paragraph.
- Description details the specific characteristics or features of the object, found in the subsequent paragraphs.
Example of Descriptive Text
- Identification Example: "Giraffes are the tallest mammals in the world, found in Africa and in some zoos."
- Description Example: "Giraffes have long necks, brown spots on their bodies, and small horns to protect their heads during fights."
Linguistic Features of Descriptive Text
- Uses the simple present tense to state facts and truths.
- Employs various adjectives (descriptive words) such as beautiful, big, long.
- Uses linking verbs like is, are, seem, look, sound to connect descriptions.
- Includes adverbs of degree to enhance adjectives, such as very, extremely.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Descriptive Text — text that describes characteristics of a person, place, animal, or thing.
- Identification — the part introducing the object to be described.
- Description — the part giving specific details about the object.
- Simple Present Tense — verb form used to express general truths or facts.
- Adjective — a word that describes a noun.
- Linking Verb — a verb connecting the subject with its description.
- Adverb of Degree — a word that modifies adjectives to show intensity (e.g., very, extremely).
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice writing descriptive texts by identifying and describing an object.
- Review the use of simple present tense, adjectives, linking verbs, and adverbs of degree.