d. Narrative
A Narrative is most generally described as a story told by narrator. Narratives are not as simple as that. They are construction of certain
characteristics that relate a tale through an organization of words. This construction includes three discernible layers, the elements that make up the
content of the narrative, and the agent. Understanding these concepts is the key to defining a narrative.
The narrative text is type of written text that tells a story of one character or more who face certain situation. Its purpose is to present a view of the world
that entertains or informs the reader or listener. It is related to the recount type.
B. Descriptive Writing
1. Concept of Descriptive
The word ‘descriptive’ etymologically is derived from word ―to describe‖ that means to say or to write what someone or something is like.
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So, descriptive is describing something or someone, especially in detailed way.
A description is a verbal picture of person, place or object. Thus, a descriptive describes a person, place, or object. When the writer describes
someone or something, he or she has to do it as possible. He or she can do it by observing and recording specific details of person, place, or object that attract the
re ader’s sense.
In description, the writer takes a scene or an object captures it in language. That is, he or she organizes the details of the object or scene they wish to describe
in the way that will most effectively convey the sensual image.
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2. Function of Descriptive
According to Burton and Humphries, the function of descriptive is either to act as a background for piece of narrative
– an account or story – or it can stand
18
A S. Hornby, Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, New York: Oxford University
Press, 2000, p. 357.
19
Robert Scholes and Nancy R. Comley, The Practice of Writing 2
nd
ed. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1985, p. 11.
by itself and convey any of the five sense sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste.
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Besides, a descriptive paragraph explains what something looks, sounds, feels, smell, or tastes like.
21
According to Langan ―the main purpose of a descriptive essay is to make readers see--or hear, taste, smell or feel
–what you are writing about.
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Fink, et.al give the opinion about function of descriptive itself, whereas, the purpose of description is to present the reader with a picture of a person,
subject, or setting. Therefore, as a reader of description, we should take a note of some elements of description as follows
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: 1.
Concrete details. A concrete detail is a specific description that supports, reflects, or expands a writer’s attitude or purpose.
2. Images. An image is a concrete, literal real and actual description of
a person, physical object, or sensory experience that can be known through one of the five senses sight, sound, taste, smell and touch.
3. Similes. Simile is a comparison, using like or as, between two objects.
The comparison is between two things essentially different yet similar in one aspect.
4. Metaphors
5. Connotative Language
3. Kinds of Descriptive
Descriptive writing will be written if they want to describe something such as places, people, or other objects
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. Related to the differences of the objects that the writer wants to describe about them, Ellis classifies three different kinds of
descriptive writing.
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20
S.H. Burton, J.A. Humphries, Mastering English Language, New York: Palgrave, 1992, p. 180.
21
Barbara Fine Clouse, The Student Writer, New York: McGraw Hill, 2008, p. 40.
22
Langan, Jhon, College Writing skill, New York: McGrawHill, 2005, p. 174.
23
Lila Fink, et al. A Text for Writing and Reading, Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1983, p. 41.
24
Sandra McKey, Fundamental of Writing for a Specific Purpose, London: Prentice Hill, 1983, p. 17.
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