Descriptive Text – Senior High School (SMA)
1. Definition
Descriptive text is a type of text which aims to describe a person, an animal, a place, or a thing in
detail so that the readers can imagine or visualize it clearly.
2. Purpose (Social Function)
To describe and give information about a particular object (person, place, animal, or thing).
To make the readers feel as if they see or experience the object directly.
3. Generic Structure
1. Identification → introduces the object that will be described.
2. Description → describes the object in detail (appearance, qualities, characteristics, parts,
behavior, etc.).
4. Language Features
Simple Present Tense → e.g., She is kind. It has four legs.
Adjectives (to describe) → beautiful, tall, big, friendly, etc.
Noun Phrases → a tall building, a big house.
Relating verbs (is, am, are, has, have, looks, seems).
Use of specific participant → My cat, Borobudur Temple, My school.
5. Examples
A. Person
My Best Friend, Rina
I have a best friend named Rina. She is my classmate in the twelfth grade and has been my
close friend since junior high school. Rina is a cheerful and kind girl who always brings happiness
to everyone around her.
Rina is of medium height with a slim body. She has long, straight black hair that reaches her
waist and sparkling brown eyes that seem to smile all the time. Her skin is smooth, and she always
takes care of her appearance. Her smile is very charming, and it makes people feel comfortable
when they talk to her.
Apart from her physical appearance, Rina has many admirable qualities. She is very
intelligent and always gets good grades in school. She is also helpful and never hesitates to assist
her friends when they have problems with studies or personal issues. Her sense of humor is
amazing, and she can make everyone laugh, even on bad days.
Rina loves reading novels and writing short stories in her free time. She also enjoys playing
badminton, which keeps her active and healthy. She is very organized and always manages her
time well between studying, hobbies, and social activities.
People like Rina not only because of her appearance but also because of her personality. She
is a loyal and trustworthy friend who always listens and gives the best advice. I feel lucky to have a
friend like her, and I hope our friendship will last forever.
B. Place
Bali Beach – A Paradise on Earth
Bali is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Indonesia. Among its many attractions,
the beaches in Bali are the most popular. One of my favourite beaches is Kuta Beach, which is
located on the southwestern coast of the island.
Kuta Beach is very beautiful and wide, stretching for several kilometres. The sand is soft and
golden, and the waves are perfect for surfing. Every morning, the sun rises slowly over the horizon,
creating an amazing view that attracts many tourists and photographers.
The beach is always lively, with people jogging, playing volleyball, or building sandcastles.
Small stalls and cafes line the beach, selling snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. The smell of the sea
mixes with the aroma of grilled seafood, creating a pleasant atmosphere.
The water is clear, and sometimes you can see small fish swimming near the shore. During
sunset, the sky turns into a magnificent mix of orange, pink, and purple colours. Many people take
photos or just sit on the sand, enjoying the peaceful and romantic scenery.
Kuta Beach is not only a place for relaxation but also for adventure. Tourists can try surfing,
banana boat rides, or even paragliding. The friendly local people make visitors feel welcome, and
the nearby hotels provide comfortable accommodations for everyone.
Visiting Kuta Beach feels like stepping into a paradise on earth. Its combination of natural
beauty, lively atmosphere, and fun activities make it an unforgettable place.
6. Exercises
A. Multiple Choice
1. The generic structure of descriptive text consists of …
a. Orientation and reorientation
b. Identification and description
c. Goal and steps
d. Statement and argument
Answer: b
2. Which tense is mostly used in descriptive text?
a. Present tense
b. Past tense
c. Future tense
d. Perfect tense
Answer: a
3. “The temple is very large and beautiful.”
The underlined word is …
a. Noun
b. Adjective
c. Verb
d. Adverb
Answer: b
Recount Text – Senior High School (SMA)
1. Definition
Recount text is a text that talk about past experiences or events in chronological order.
2. Purpose (Social Function)
To retell past events or experiences.
To inform or entertain the readers.
3. Generic Structure
1. Orientation → introduces the participants, time, and place (who, when, where).
2. Events → tells the events in chronological order (first, then, after that, finally).
3. Reorientation → closing statement (personal comment or conclusion).
4. Language Features
Use of Simple Past Tense → went, saw, visited, played.
Use of action verbs → went, watched, bought, ate, etc.
Use of time connectives → first, next, then, after that, finally.
Focus on specific participants → I, my family, my friend, etc.
5. Examples
Example 1 – Personal Experience
My Unforgettable Trip to Yogyakarta
Last year, I went on a holiday to Yogyakarta with my family. We planned the trip for three days
to explore the city’s culture, history, and natural attractions. I was very excited because it was my
first time visiting this famous city.
We arrived in Yogyakarta early in the morning and went straight to Borobudur Temple, one of
the most famous tourist attractions in Indonesia. We climbed to the top and watched the sunrise.
The view was amazing, and I took many photos. Our tour guide explained the history of the
temple, and I learned a lot about the ancient Buddhist civilization.
In the afternoon, we visited Prambanan Temple, a beautiful Hindu temple complex. The
intricate carvings and tall structures amazed me. Later, we went to Malioboro Street for shopping. I
bought some souvenirs and tried traditional foods like gudeg and bakpia. The street was lively,
crowded, and full of colourful shops.
On the second day, we went to Mount Merapi and joined a jeep tour around the volcano. The
landscape was breathtaking, and I learned about the eruption that happened several years ago. At
night, we enjoyed a traditional dance performance called Ramayana Ballet, which was really
entertaining.
The trip to Yogyakarta was truly unforgettable. I not only had fun exploring new places, but I
also learned about Indonesia’s rich culture and history. I hope to visit Yogyakarta again in the
future.
Example 2 – Historical Recount
The Eruption of Mount Krakatoa in 1883
One of the most catastrophic natural disasters in history was the eruption of Mount Krakatoa
in 1883. Krakatoa was a volcanic island located between Java and Sumatra in Indonesia. The
eruption not only destroyed the island but also affected the entire world.
The disaster began in May 1883, when Krakatoa started to erupt small amounts of ash and
smoke. People in nearby areas noticed strange sounds and minor explosions. However, the
situation grew worse during the following months.
On August 26, 1883, the eruption became extremely violent. Huge columns of ash rose into
the sky, and loud explosions were heard as far away as Australia. The most powerful explosion
occurred on August 27, 1883. It was so loud that it was heard more than 3,000 miles away. The
explosion destroyed more than two-thirds of the island.
The eruption also caused massive tsunamis, some reaching up to 40 meters high. These waves
struck the coasts of Java and Sumatra, destroying thousands of villages. More than 36,000 people
lost their lives, and many others were injured or left homeless.
In addition, the eruption released a huge amount of volcanic ash into the atmosphere. This
caused colourful sunsets around the world for several years. The ash also lowered global
temperatures, leading to what scientists call a “volcanic winter.”
The eruption of Mount Krakatoa in 1883 remains one of the most deadly and powerful
volcanic events in recorded history. It not only changed the geography of Indonesia but also
influenced the world’s climate. Today, Anak Krakatau, or “Child of Krakatoa,” has grown in the
same area, reminding us of the power of nature
6. Exercises
A. Multiple Choice
1. The purpose of recount text is …
a. To describe people or things
b. To retell past events
c. To explain how something works
d. To argue about an issue
Answer: b
2. Which tense is mostly used in recount text?
a. Present tense
b. Past tense
c. Future tense
d. Continuous tense
Answer: b
3. “We went to the zoo last week.”
The underlined word is …
a. Verb
b. Noun
c. Adjective
d. Adverb
Answer: a
Narrative Text
1. Definition
Narrative text is a text that tells a story, either real or imaginary, with the purpose of entertaining or
teaching moral values to the readers.
2. Purpose (Social Function)
To entertain the readers with a story.
To teach lessons or moral values (e.g., honesty, kindness, bravery).
3. Generic Structure
1. Orientation → introduces characters, setting (time and place).
2. Complication → the problem(s) in the story arise.
3. Resolution → how the problem(s) are solved.
4. (Sometimes) Re-orientation / Coda → moral lesson or closing remark.
4. Language Features
Mostly use Past Tense → lived, went, said.
Use of action verbs → ran, climbed, fought.
Use of time connectives → once upon a time, then, after that, suddenly.
Use of direct speech → “Please help me!” said the rabbit.
5. Examples
Example 1 – Fable
The Clever Deer and the Crocodile
Once upon a time, in a dense jungle near a wide river, there lived a clever deer. The deer was
small and weak compared to other animals, but he was known for his intelligence. In the same
jungle, a group of hungry crocodiles lived in the river, always waiting for a chance to catch animals
that tried to cross.
One day, the deer wanted to go to the other side of the river to find fresh grass. But he knew
the crocodiles would try to eat him. He stood by the river, thinking hard about how to cross safely.
Suddenly, he got an idea.
The deer shouted loudly, “Crocodiles! I bring news from the King of the Jungle. He wants me
to count how many crocodiles live in this river.” Curious and proud, the crocodiles agreed to help.
They lined up across the river, one after another.
The deer quickly jumped on their backs, counting loudly, “One, two, three…” until he reached
the other side of the river. When he landed safely, he laughed and said, “Thank you, crocodiles, for
helping me cross the river. But I don’t need to count you anymore. I just wanted to trick you!”
The crocodiles were furious, but they could not catch the clever deer. From that day on, they
learned not to underestimate small and weak-looking animals.
The moral of the story is: intelligence is more powerful than strength.
Example 2 – Legend
The Legend of Malin Kundang
Long time ago, in a small village by the sea in West Sumatra, lived a poor widow and her only
son, Malin Kundang. Malin was a diligent boy who helped his mother every day. Even though they
were poor, his mother loved him dearly.
As Malin grew up, he wanted to change his life. One day, a merchant ship anchored near their
village. Malin asked his mother’s permission to work on the ship and promised that one day he
would return with wealth. His mother let him go, though with a heavy heart.
Years passed, and Malin became a successful and rich merchant. He married a beautiful
woman from a wealthy family. One day, his ship arrived back at the village. The news spread
quickly, and his old mother rushed to the shore to meet him. She was so happy and hugged him,
saying, “Malin, my son, you are back!”
However, Malin was ashamed of his poor mother in front of his rich wife and denied her. “Go
away, old woman! I am not your son!” he shouted. His mother’s heart was broken.
With tears in her eyes, she prayed to God, “Oh Lord, punish this ungrateful child.” Suddenly,
the sky darkened, the wind blew strongly, and Malin’s ship was wrecked by a huge storm. Malin
was cursed into stone on the beach.
Coda
Until today, people can see a rock that looks like a man kneeling, believed to be Malin Kundang.
The moral of the story is: we must always respect and love our parents.
6. Exercises
A. Multiple Choice
1. The purpose of narrative text is …
a. To describe a place
b. To retell past events
c. To entertain with a story
d. To explain how something works
Answer: c
2. What tense is mostly used in narrative text?
a. Simple Present
b. Simple Past
c. Simple Future
d. Present Continuous
Answer: b
3. In a narrative text, the part where the problem happens is called …
a. Orientation
b. Complication
c. Resolution
d. Coda
Answer: b
Analytical Exposition Text – Senior High School (SMA)
1. Definition
Analytical Exposition is a text that presents arguments to support the writer’s opinion about an
issue. The writer tries to convince the readers that something is true or important.
2. Purpose (Social Function)
To persuade the readers that an idea or opinion is correct.
To give reasons and evidence to support the argument.
3. Generic Structure
1. Thesis → introduces the topic and states the writer’s position/opinion.
2. Arguments → presents reasons or evidence to support the opinion (usually more than one
argument).
3. Reiteration/Conclusion → restates the main point and strengthens the opinion.
4. Language Features
Simple Present Tense → e.g., Online learning is effective.
Relational processes (is, are, have, become).
Internal conjunctions → firstly, secondly, moreover, however, therefore.
Causal conjunctions → because, since, as, due to.
Use of modal verbs → should, must, need to.
Use of emotive words → important, valuable, harmful, beneficial.
5. Examples
Should Students Wear School Uniforms?
School uniforms are an important part of students’ education. Some people argue that
uniforms limit students’ freedom of expression. However, I strongly believe that wearing uniforms
is beneficial for students, schools, and even parents.
Firstly, school uniforms create equality among students. Without uniforms, many students would
compete to wear fashionable or expensive clothes. This could lead to jealousy, discrimination, or
bullying. With uniforms, students are seen as equals regardless of their social or economic
background. This helps to create a more harmonious school environment.
Secondly, uniforms encourage discipline and responsibility. When students wear their
uniforms, they are reminded that they belong to a school community. This makes them behave
more appropriately and respect school rules. Uniforms also teach students to prepare themselves
neatly and take care of their appearance, which are important habits for their future life.
Thirdly, uniforms give a sense of identity and pride. When students wear their school uniform,
they represent their school wherever they go. This builds a strong feeling of belonging and loyalty.
It also makes it easier to identify students during school activities or field trips, which improves
safety.
Finally, wearing uniforms is practical for parents. They do not need to spend much money
buying various clothes for school. It also saves time every morning, because students do not have
to decide what to wear.
In conclusion, school uniforms provide many advantages. They promote equality, discipline,
identity, and even convenience for families. Therefore, students should wear school uniforms, and
schools should continue to apply this policy.
6. Exercises
A. Multiple Choice
1. The purpose of analytical exposition text is …
a. To describe something
b. To tell past events
c. To persuade readers that an idea is true
d. To explain how something works
Answer: c
2. Which of the following is the correct structure of analytical exposition?
a. Orientation – Events – Reorientation
b. Identification – Description
c. Thesis – Arguments – Reiteration
d. Goal – Materials – Steps
Answer: c
3. “English is very important for our future.”
The sentence belongs to …
a. Argument
b. Thesis
c. Reiteration
d. Evidence
Answer: b
