Descriptive Text (Concept - Example)

Level: English for Junior and Senior High School
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Explanation

Social Function	To describe a particular person, place, or thing.
Generic Structure	Identification: identifies phenomenon to be described. Description: describes parts, qualities, characteristics.
Significant Lexicogrammatical Features	Focus on specific participants. Use of attributive and identifying processes. Frequent use of ephitets and classifiers in nominal groups. Use of simple present tense.

Example

Read the text below attentively.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a famous area of waterfalls. It is one of the most beautiful natural wonders of North America. It is on the Niagara River, about halfway between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. The Niagara River forms part of the border between Canada and the United States. At Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada is on one side of the river, and the U.S state of New York is on the other side.

Niagara Falls really has two waterfalls. The Horseshoe Falls are in Canada, and the American Falls are in the United States.

The Niagara River drops into a steep gorge or canyon, at the falls. Most of the river flows over the Horseshoe Falls. They are not as high as the American Falls, but they are 2,600 feet (792 meters) wide - about 0.5 mile (0,8 kilometer).

The American Falls are about 1,000 feet (305 meters) wide. Beyond the falls are the Whirlpool Rapids. There, the powerful swirling water has carved a bowl out of the rock.

At night, colored light shines on the thundering falls. About 10 million people visit Niagara Falls each year.

Taken from The World Book Student Discovery Encyclopedia, 2006.