■ Descriptive Text
Definition
A descriptive text is a type of text that aims to give a clear description of a person, place, object, or
event so that the reader can almost see, hear, or feel it.
Purpose
- To describe or introduce someone, a place, an object, or an experience.
- To deliver impressions, feelings, or details that help the reader understand and imagine better.
- It can be informative (factual information) or imaginative (creating mood/feelings).
Characteristics
- Use of adjectives → tall, beautiful, energetic.
- Use of present tense (generally).
- Use of specific nouns → “Borobudur Temple” instead of just “a temple.”
- Use of figurative language → simile, metaphor, personification.
- Focus on one main object.
Structure of Descriptive Text
1. Identification / Beginning
Mention the basic profile: name, age, gender, appearance, voice, or general information about the
object.
Example: “Borobudur is one of the most famous temples in Indonesia.”
2. Describing Specific Behavior
Use adjectives like energetic, ambitious, cautious, creative, friendly to describe a person’s behavior
or traits.
Example: “She is very ambitious and always works hard to achieve her goals.”
3. Describing Hobby / Interest
Answer these questions: what the hobby is, how the person got interested, how long, why it is
important, what it offers.
Example: “He has been playing the guitar since he was ten years old. Music makes him relaxed
and confident.”
4. Describing Current Activity
Could be social or physical activities. Write details: weekly frequency, purpose, whether it is
measurable.
Example: “Nowadays, she is joining a dance club. She practices twice a week to prepare for a
national competition.”
5. Describing Achievements
Mention results or accomplishments, not daily duties.
Example: “She won the first prize in the National Science Olympiad last year.”
Example of Descriptive Text
My Best Friend
I have a best friend named Rani. She is 16 years old and studies at the same school as me. She
has long black hair, bright eyes, and a soft voice that makes people feel comfortable around her.
Rani is very energetic and creative. She always comes up with new ideas in class and often helps
teachers prepare events.
Her hobby is painting. She started painting when she was in elementary school. She enjoys
expressing her feelings through colors and has joined an art club for three years.
Currently, she practices painting twice a week because she wants to prepare her work for a local
exhibition.
Her biggest achievement is winning the second prize in a national painting competition. That made
our school very proud of her.
Tips for Writing a Strong Descriptive Text
✔ Start with a short identification.
✔ Follow a logical order (appearance → character → hobbies → activities → achievements).
✔ Use sensory details (color, sound, smell, taste, texture).
✔ Choose varied adjectives (not only “good, nice, beautiful”).
✔ Use present tense unless describing something in the past.
