THE KINDS OF PERSONAL RECOUNT TEXT
1. Personal recount
My Bad Day
Doni scrimped and paid for a trip around the world that lasted two months. In his diary, he
detailed his journey. I travelled to London and spent several weeks in Europe after spending a
week in New York. I took a train to Istanbul and visited several locations in Asia after seeing
the sights in Europe. First, I flew from Mexico City to New York City, where he lives. After
travelling across Asia, I travelled to South America before returning to Indonesia. Doni was
weary, but he was ecstatic to be on the road again.
2. Factual recount
A Man Charged
A man has been sued in court for pushing an older woman down a bus on Upper Thomson Road.
Ong Kok Hao, 25, is accused of injuring 76-year-old Hwang Li Lian Nee Lye on bus service number
167 around 3 p.m. on June 5th. Ong is alleged to have pushed the older woman onto her back,
causing her to collapse onto the bus stairs. The incident was recorded and posted to YouTube in a
two-minute video. Ong bursts into a fury at Madam Hwang for pressing the ring at the last minute
along Upper Thomson Road, according to the video. During the resulting scream battle, Ong
attempted to slap the woman before shoving her down the bus. Ong’s lawyer, Eddie Koh, will
present his case to the court. The issue will be revisited by the police in December.
3. Imaginative
Cowboy’s Pride
Today was a particularly hectic day. Thankfully, Rose was at home to assist me in
washing dishes, making quince jelly, and caring for our newest family member, the boy. This
was yet another ordinary day. Jean came in after we completed our chores and began
enjoying the dinner we had just prepared. Rose was tending to the child. A heavy knock came
at the entrance. I sat there waiting for Jean or Rose to pass. Jean sprang from his seat, knife
and fork both clutched in his hands. “Can’t a guy eat in peace?” he exclaimed. “I’ve come to
arrest you Mr. Jean Clarkson for horse stealing,” a deep voice said when Jean opened the
bell. I stood there watching Jean finish his last bite of dinner. He then told me that he was
about to be arrested. If there was no subpoena, I informed him he didn’t have to go. I
screamed at him, telling him he shouldn’t have let him in. Jean confidently said, “It’s all
right, Mum,” in an attempt to quiet me down.
The bread was taken out of the oven by me. Jean ate the rest of his food from his bowl with
a large slice of thick bread. Constable Fitzgerald was standing nearby. ‘I’ll just go grab my jacket!”
Jean said. I chased after Jean, shouting at him for letting him in when he shouldn’t have. Rose’s
screams could be heard. I dashed back to see what had happened. Fitzgerald was bullying her, she
explained. I charged into the kitchen, grabbed the shovel, and smacked him in the face. Jean dashed
back into the room and tackled him to the ground. Cathy was right there when the door swung
open. Cathy entered the room and took Fitzgerald’s rifle. Fitzgerald was shot in the wrist by the
revolver. “Touch our sister again, and there will be a bullet in your head,” both boys said as they
stood there. My sons made me proud when they stood up for their sister.
4. Historical recount
Indonesian Independence Proclamation
On Friday, August 17, 1945, at 10 a.m., the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence was read. The
declaration signalled the launch of the Indonesian National Revolution’s political and military
struggle against Dutch forces and pro-Dutch citizens before the latter formally recognized
Indonesia’s independence in 1949. Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta, who were declared president
and vice-president the next day, signed the agreement.
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1. Orientation (such as who was involved, where it happened, and when it happened).
I spent my last summer holiday in Seoul, South Korea. I went there with my friends.
2. Events (A series of events, ordered in a chronological sequence).
On the first day, I was landed at Incheon Airport around 7 AM after a 6 hours long
flight. Then I went to Seoul by train and checked in to the hotel I already booked. I decided to
take a rest for a while. At night, I went to Hongdae, a famous district in South Korea. I went
to eat traditional Korean food. On the next day, I went to the Gyeongbokgung Palace and
National Museum. I also went to learn how to make Kimchi and see the scenery of Seoul
from Seoul Tower. I went back to the hotel at 10 PM and immediately went to sleep.
3. Reorientation (A personal comment about the event or what happened in the end).
I spent my last day in Myeongdong and bought some stuffs and souvenirs for my
family and friends. I also ate the street food there. I went to the airport at 3 PM because my
flight was at 5 PM. I had a fantastic experience in South Korea and made wonderful memory
with my friends. It was a great trip.
[Another example]
1. Orientation (such as who was involved, where it happened, and when it
happened).
On 10 November, Indonesia celebrates Hari Pahlawan or Heroes Day in
remembrance of the Battle of Surabaya which started on that very date in the year 1945.
The bloody battle took place because Indonesians refused to surrender their weaponry to
British army. British Army at that time was part of the Allied Forces. The defiant Bung Tomo
is the well-known revolutionary leader who played a very important role in this battle.
2. Events (A series of events, ordered in a chronological sequence).
The battle started because of a misunderstanding between British troops in
Jakarta and those in Surabaya, under the command of Brigadier [Link]. Mallaby.
Brigadier Mallaby already had an agreement with Governor of East Java Mr. Surya.
The agreement stated that British would not ask Indonesian troops and militia to
surrender their weapons. However, a British plane flew from Jakarta dropped leaflets
all over Surabaya. The leaflet told Indonesians to surrender on 27 October 1945. This
action angered the Indonesian troops and militia leaders because they felt betrayed.
They ready to defend their country and their freedom again. So, Indonesia army and
civilians in Surabaya all prepared to fight againts British troops.
On 30 October 1945, Brigadier Mallaby was killed by Indonesian troops as he
was approaching the British troops’ post near Jembatan Merah or Red Bridge,
Surabaya. There were many reports about the death, but it was widely believed that
the Brigadier was murdered by Indonesian militia. Due to this situation, Lieutenant
General Sir Philip Christison brought in reinforcements to siege the city. In the early
morning of 10 November 1945, British troops began to advance into Surabaya with
cover from both naval and air bombardment. Even though the Indonesians defended
the city heroically, the city was conquered within 3 days and the whole battle lasted
for 3 weeks.
Sadly, the battle killed 16,000 Indonesians while casualties on the British side
were about 2000.
3. Reorientation (A personal comment about the event or what happened in the end).
Battle of Surabaya caused Indonesia to lose weaponry which hampered the
country’s independence struggle. However, the battle provoked Indonesian and
international mass to rally for the country’s independence which made this battle especially
important for Indonesian national revolution.
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After that, Indonesia commemorates the battle annually on 10 November, to pay
tribute and honour for those who died defending the city and Indonesian's freedom.
