2.3.1 The Purpose of Descriptive Text
Every text type has a number of characteristics that make it different from other text types. A text type has a specific purpose, the generic structure and also the
language features. Descriptive text also has a purpose like in the Gerot and Wignel
‟s statement 1995:208 that “The purpose of descriptive text is to describe a
particular person, place or thing”. It can be concluded that the purpose of
descriptive text is to describe and reveal a particular person, place or thing.
2.3.2 The Generic Stucture and Language Features of Descriptive Text
Hammond 1996:78 states that “Descriptive text has two generic structures, namely identification and description
”. Identification is the person, place or thing to be described. The description is describing parts, qualities, and characteristics
of an object. It is in line with Gerot and Wignel 1995:208. It is stated that “Descriptive writing has two generic structures. They are identification and
description”. Therefore, the generic structure of descriptive text can be showed in the following table:
Table 2.1 Generic Structure of Descriptive Text
Generic structure Function
1. Identification
Identifies phenomenon
to be
described. 2.
Description Describes
parts, qualities,
characteristics.
From the explanation about the step of constructing the descriptive text, then I have my own conclusion that generally a descriptive text consists two
elements. They are identification and description. Besides the social function and generic structure, descriptive text also has
language features that support formed a descriptive text. Gerot and Wignel 1995:208 state that the language features usually found in a descriptive text are;
1 Focus on specific participant. In describing something in written descriptive
must focus only one subject, for example: Borobudur Temple, a cat, my new house, and so on.
2 The use of simple present tense. In which usually found the passive voice in
the descriptive text especially when describes about particular place. 3
The use of attributive and identifying processes. It is about the use of have and has.
4 The use of frequent epithets and classifiers in nominal group, like attractive
and beautiful. From the explanation above, I can conclude that there are some
requirements dealing with the language features of descriptive text. A descriptive text must have specific characters: using simple present tense, using attributive
and identifying processes, focusing on specific participant, and using descriptive adjective to build up nominal group.
2.3.3 Kinds of Descriptive Text
Kategori