Overview
This lecture explains descriptive text, its purpose, structure, and the key language features needed when writing it in English.
Understanding Descriptive Text
- Descriptive text is used to describe a person, place, object, or animal.
- The main function of descriptive text is to provide a clear description of a particular subject to the reader.
Structure of Descriptive Text
- Descriptive texts have two main parts: identification and description.
- Identification introduces or identifies the object to be described, usually in the first paragraph.
- Description explains the characteristics or features of the object in detail, starting from the second paragraph onward.
Example of Descriptive Text
- Identification example: "Giraffes are the tallest mammals in the world. We can find them in Africa or in zoos."
- Description example: "A giraffe has a long neck that helps it eat, brown spots covering its body, and small horns on its head for protection."
Linguistic Features of Descriptive Text
- Descriptive text uses simple present tense to state facts or truths.
- Descriptive adjectives are used to give detailed information, such as "beautiful," "big," or "long."
- Linking verbs like "is," "are," "look," or "sound" are used to connect the subject and description.
- Intensifying adverbs, such as "very" or "extremely," are used to enhance adjectives (e.g., "extremely beautiful").
Key Terms & Definitions
- Descriptive Text — a type of writing that gives details about a person, place, thing, or animal.
- Identification — the part that introduces the subject being described.
- Description — the section that provides detailed features or traits of the subject.
- Simple Present Tense — verb tense showing actions that are always true or habitual.
- Adjective — a word that describes a noun.
- Linking Verb — a verb that connects the subject to more information (e.g., is, are).
- Adverb — a word that modifies adjectives, verbs, or other adverbs, often showing degree.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice writing a descriptive text using the correct structure and linguistic features.
- Review and learn more about simple present tense and descriptive adjectives.