Descriptive Text Structure (Generic Structure)

There are two generic structures of descriptive writing that are mainly applied in writing:
identification and description. A descriptive text Identification is an introduction, in the form of a
general description of a topic. The description contains the special characteristics of the object, place
or person being described. For example, characteristics, physical appearance, and other things that
are written specifically.

Characteristics of Descriptive Text

• The verbs used are attribute verbs, such as be (am, is, are)

• The tense used is simple present tense

• Only focus on one object.

Noun:

Using specific nouns, such as my cat, my mom, National Monument. Apart from that, we often also
use adjectives to clarify the use of nouns, such as a big house, a smart student, an independent
woman.

Simple present tense:

Using the base verb (verb 1) and verbs that can show ownership or state of an object. Descriptive
text uses simple present tense because descriptive text tells a fact about the object being described.
For example, My office has 10 floors, Bella is pretty, and so on.

Action verbs:

Using verbs that indicate an activity or an activity that can be seen. For example, sleep, walk, sing,
dance, etc.

Figurative language:

Using figurative language or describing something, usually using a metaphor to provide an

illustration to the reader.

Grammar commonly used in descriptive text:

Simple Present Tense, If clause + suggestion and Passive Voice.

Pay attention to some sentences in the text:

Lake Como, also known as Lario.

Lake Como provides one of the most picturesque sceneries in the world.
If you’re visiting Lake Como in the summertime, don’t miss the chance to see the beautiful beaches
on its shores.
You’ll be surprised to learn about the many things to do in Lake Como.

What tenses is used in this sentence? Are there any active or passive sentences? Are there any if
clause + suggestion?

Simple Present Tense, If clause + suggestion, Passive Voice

Sources:

https://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/simplepresent.html
https://www.englishclub.com/grammar/passive-voice.htm
https://www.studiobelajar.com/if-clause/

Reporting is like telling a story about what happened, in a way that's fair and doesn't take sides. It's
all about giving people information on events, problems, or new things that are happening.

There are two ways to report what someone said:

o Direct speech: This is where you quote their exact words, using quotation marks (" ").

o Indirect speech: This is where you tell someone else what was said, without using their exact
words. You just explain what they meant.

Here are some examples to show the difference. Notice how the tense of the verbs changes from
direct to indirect speech, and sometimes the words referring to time change too.

For example:
1. If someone says "It's raining today" (direct speech), you might report it by saying "They said it was
raining that day" (indirect speech).
2. My sister explained "I am cooking for dinner now". It becomes: She explained she was cooking
for dinner then.

Read the following text carefully.

Tea has a rich history spanning centuries and cultures. It holds a significant place in global traditions
and daily rituals. Originating from China thousands of years ago, tea has evolved into one of the most
widely consumed beverages worldwide. Beyond China, tea culture expanded along ancient trade
routes, reaching neighboring countries such as Japan, Korea, and India. In Japan, the tea ceremony,
or "chanoyu," reflects Zen Buddhist principles of simplicity, tranquility, and aesthetic appreciation, as
participants partake in the ritualistic preparation and consumption of powdered green tea, known as
matcha. Meanwhile, in India, the birthplace of Assam and Darjeeling teas, chai, a spiced milk tea
brewed with black tea leaves and aromatic spices, has become a ubiquitous symbol of hospitality and
community.

Tea is a beverage deeply ingrained in daily rituals and social traditions around the world. People drink
tea at various times throughout the day, often aligning with different purposes and occasions. In the
morning, many individuals start their day with a steaming cup of tea, which provides a gentle energy
boost. Mid-morning and afternoon tea breaks offer moments of respite from busy schedules,
allowing individuals to pause, reflect, and recharge with a soothing cup of tea. Tea is also a popular
choice during social gatherings, whether it's a casual catch-up with friends or an elaborate tea
ceremony, serving as a symbol of hospitality and camaraderie. In the evening, winding down with a
calming herbal tea promotes relaxation and prepares the mind and body for restful sleep. Regardless
of the time of day, the act of drinking tea brings people together, fostering connections and enriching
everyday experiences with its comforting and versatile nature.

Beyond its gustatory pleasures, tea has also been associated with numerous health benefits. Tea
offers a plethora of health benefits that have been recognized and appreciated for centuries. From
green tea to black tea and herbal infusions, each variety contains unique compounds that contribute
to overall well-being. One of the most notable benefits of tea is its rich antioxidant content, which
helps to combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and
cancer. Additionally, the presence of catechins in green tea has been linked to improved metabolism
and weight management, making it a popular choice for those seeking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Furthermore, the moderate caffeine content in tea provides a gentle energy boost without the jittery
side effects often associated with coffee. Beyond physical health, the act of brewing and savoring a
cup of tea promotes relaxation and mindfulness, offering a moment of respite in our fast-paced lives.
With its numerous health-promoting properties and soothing qualities, tea stands as a testament to
the enduring connection between nature and human well-being.

There are reasons for the existence of tea as a beverage of choice that remains unwavering. No
matter the flavour and the time, it fosters connections and tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of
daily life. The diverse experience provides a unique sensory experience that transcends geographical
boundaries.

Every text has a main topic. The main topic is what the text is about. It is the subject. The text
consists of some paragraphs that work together to explain the main topic. In each paragraph, there
must be a main idea. Generally, it is found in the first or second sentence. The key sentence which
introduces the main idea of a paragraph is called the topic sentence. All the other sentences
support the topic sentence by providing details, examples, or explanations that help develop the
main idea

Look at paragraph 1 as an example.

Tea has a rich history spanning centuries and cultures. It holds a significant place in global traditions
and daily rituals. Originating from China thousands of years ago, tea has evolved into one of the most
widely consumed beverages worldwide. Beyond China, tea culture expanded along ancient trade
routes, reaching neighboring countries such as Japan, Korea, and India. In Japan, the tea ceremony,
or "chanoyu," reflects Zen Buddhist principles of simplicity, tranquility, and aesthetic appreciation, as
participants partake in the ritualistic preparation and consumption of powdered green tea, known as
matcha. Meanwhile, in India, the birthplace of Assam and Darjeeling teas, chai, a spiced milk tea
brewed with black tea leaves and aromatic spices, has become a ubiquitous symbol of hospitality and
community.

Main idea: history of tea

Topic Sentence: Tea has a rich history spanning centuries and cultures.
Detail:

Tea origin in China

Tea ceremony in Japan

Tea in India

It’s time to practice for the rest of the paragraphs.

Every text contains the author's perspective. In order to comprehend a text or to do critical reading,
it is crucial to identify the author's attitude. The tone or feelings the author has toward the subject
matter is known as their attitude. The way the author uses words to convey their ideas in writing.
Each text, whether it is an article, a story, or a research text will elicit distinct feelings. Thus, word
choice is crucial.

There are strategies to discern the author's perspective.

1. Recognize the Writing Style

One can analyze how writers employ various writing styles to convey their ideas, such as
emotional language, logical arguments, rhetoric, or creative writing styles.

2. Determine the main idea

It is crucial to find out the main idea in the text in order to comprehend the essence and
sentiment that will be associated with the author's attitude.

3. Identify the sentiment of the writing

Understanding the sentiment conveyed in the text is essential. It can be positive (expressing
appreciation), negative (criticizing something), or neutral (neither).

4. Note the change in attitude throughout the text

Recognizing when the author's perspective changes is crucial. It is essential to grasp these
alterations in tone to comprehend the author's feelings towards the subject.

5. It’s time to practice.

6. For many generations to follow, English literature has been shaped

by the works of Shakespeare. As a writer, he is unmatched, and his
impact went well beyond his own England. He completely changed
the English theater industry and, as a result, the theater traditions of
other European nations. Playwrights before Shakespeare employed
soliloquies to advance the story by disclosing important details about
a character. Shakespeare changed it to represent a character's
internal monologue in order to help understand their minds.
Shakespeare had such an influence that, in the years since his
death, sales of his plays have surpassed 4 billion copies, making him
the world's best-selling playwright even today. Additionally, he is in
the top three authors in history for translations.
 7. Shakespeare is also often regarded as one of the greatest Britons of
all time. Shakespeare is regarded as one of the 10 most important
Britons in history by historian and television host Dan Snow, mostly
due to his classic plays and his contributions to the growth of the
English language. Shakespeare was named the greatest British of all
time by viewers, academics, and historians in a 1999 Heritage
Magazine survey. Shakespeare also came in fifth place in the BBC's
2002 list of the 100 Greatest Britons, which was derived from a
survey.
8. English spelling and grammar were not as standard during
Shakespeare's lifetime as they are now. Because of this, his usage of
a variety of terminology and phrases not only helped to create new
ones but also altered the meaning of several words that are still in
use today. Though they are now widespread, phrases like "a
foregone conclusion" from Othello and "waiting with bated breath"
from The Merchant of Venice were not even recognized as idioms
prior to Shakespeare.
9. Shakespeare was a poet genuinely for the world, and his influence
went much beyond his native England. His plays are still relevant
today, especially in light of their topical relevance. The plays he wrote
in the late 16th and early 17th centuries still hold true today because
they are ageless.
10. Adapted from:
https://historycolored.com/articles/9632/william-shakespeare-the-life-
of-william-shakespeare/

Have you ever read instructions on how to build a toy or bake a cake? Those are examples of
procedure texts! They're like recipes or guides that tell you exactly what to do, one step at a time.
This kind of writing helps you learn how to do things, like using a machine, following a craft project,
or even making a delicious meal. The main goal is to make things clear and easy to understand, so
you can follow the steps and do it yourself!

The purpose of procedure text is to explain a process to do something. The structure of procedure
text consists of:

o Aim
Aim shows the purpose of the activity

o Ingredients/material
for example: What you need to prepare in order to achieve the purpose is ingredients.

o Methods
Methods refer to the steps conducted to achieve the aim.

o Language Focus
- Transitional markers, such as first, next, after that etc.
- The language form you need to show the procedure. It can be in imperative sentences or in
declarative sentence with subject ‘you’
Check the procedure text of how to make online meeting.

Making an internet assembly includes a few steps. To do it, you need to prepare internet connection,
a gadget, online meeting platforms. First, prepare a steady internet connection. Then, choose a
platform for the meeting on your gadget and create a meeting schedule. After that, you can send the
invitation. Sometimes. You can send the meeting information using email or WhatsApp.

Then, to start a meeting, click the meeting link or write the meeting id on the platform. If you are
the host, sometimes, you need to admit the participants or open the meeting. While you are in the
platform, you can open the microphone to talk and the camera to show your presence. At the end,
when the meeting is done, the participants can leave the platform.

This type of writing tells a story, like a fairy tale or a news report. It can be made-up stories (fiction)
or true stories (non-fiction), like books about real people's lives. Basically, any writing that tells a
sequence of events is a narrative text. These events can be funny, scary, exciting, or informative,
depending on the story. The order of the events is important, because it helps the story make sense.
Stories usually have characters, which are the people or things the story happens to.

The features of narrative texts are:

1. Employing past tense

Because narrative writings usually relate experiences in the plot that have already happened,
they frequently utilize the past tense form. The past tense is sometimes used to help create a
feeling of time and sequence.
For example: Early in the morning, Andrew came to my house.

2. Making use of the time adverb

Adverbs of time are frequently used in narrative writings to give the plot a distinct
framework and sense of development.
For example: Once upon a day, early morning, as they walked on the beach.

3. Adjective usage
Adjectives are words that provide additional details about a noun. Adjective will emphasize
the description in the story. The use of adjectives would show colour, shape, size, attributes,
etc.
For example: As we came into the room, we are welcomed by big colourful balloons next to
the candy jars.

4. noun phrases
A noun phrase is a collection of words that includes a noun and any modifiers that go with it,
including adverbs, adjectives, or other nouns to give more context for the main noun. The
function can be the same as adjectives, to highlight certain aspects of a character or scene,
provide more in-depth descriptions, or succinctly explain complex concepts.
For example: The boy with a dark shirt in front of a sweet shop held the card invitation.

The structure of a narrative text's consists of:

1. Orientation
The orientation should ideally provide answers to the queries "who," "where," and "when."
Thus, after reading the orientation section, we ought to be able to recognize the story's
characters and setting (both location and time).

2. Intricacy
The issues that arise within a story are covered in this section. It is split up into increasing
activity (issues start to surface), climax (the problem's apex), and the falling motion (the
problem's stress starts to lessen as the solution found).

3. Settlement
The section of the story where the conflict or issue that was first presented is resolved or
addressed is known as the resolution.