8. DESCRIPTIVE TEXT

Descriptive text is available for a screen reader device to audibly describe a graph or map so a visually impaired user can understand the graphical information. Or to describe the characteristic of particular Person, thing , or place.

o   Text structure:

- Identification: Identifies thing, person, place, phenomenon to be described.

- Description: Gives the information of particular thing, person, or place being discussed or describes parts, qualities, or Characteristic.

o   Language figures:

a. Topic is usually about the attributes of a think.
b. The use of think person pronoun forms is used.
c. The use of focus specific human and non human participants.
d. The use of reasoning expressed as verbs or noun.
e. The use of material.
f. The use of relation and mental process.

o   Characteristic:

a. Use the simple present tense.

b. Using detailed noun phrases to provide information on the subject.

c. Uses relating verbs to provide information on the subject.

d. Use the thinking and feeling verbs to reveal personal views about the subject author.

e. Use action verbs.

f. Use adverbials to provide additional information.

g. Use figurative language such as simile, metaphor.

o   Grammatical features:

- Who? What?
- Using linking verb and simple present tense,
- Epithet: adjective or adjective phrase,
- Attributive (the)
- Use a attributive and identifying process,
- Focus an specific participants,
- Frequent use of epithets and classified in nominal groups

Example of descriptive text :

THE AMAZING TAJ MAHAL IN INDIA

Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world. It was built by a Muslim Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his dear wife at Agra.

Taj Mahal is a Mausoleum that houses the grave of queen Mumtaz Mahal. The mausoleum is a part of a vast complex comprising of a main gateway, an elaborate garden, a mosque (to the left), a guest house (to the right), and several other palatial buildings. The Taj is at the farthest end of this complex, with the river Jamuna behind it.

The Taj stands on a raised, square platform (186 x 186 feet) with its four corners truncated, forming an unequal octagon. The architectural design uses the interlocking arabesque concept, in which each element stands on its own and perfectly integrates with the main structure. It uses the principles of self-replicating geometry and a symmetry of architectural elements.

Its central dome is fifty-eight feet in diameter and rises to a height of 213 feet. It is flanked by four subsidiary domed chambers. The four graceful, slender minarets are 162.5 feet each. The central domed chamber and four adjoining chambers include many walls and panels of Islamic decoration.

Taj Mahal is built entirely of white marble. Its stunning architectural beauty is beyond adequate description, particularly at dawn and sunset. The Taj seems to glow in the light of the full moon. On a foggy morning, the visitors experience the Taj as if suspended when viewed from across the Jamuna river.