A descriptive text is one that characterizes the appearance of an element, which can be a fact, a person, situation, object, animal, etc. A descriptive text (whether oral or written) characterizes the look or feel of something. For instance: A tall, thin man stood before me. He appeared sad.
Descriptive texts focus on depicting elements through detailed observation, unlike narrative texts which tell a story through a sequence of events.
Resources commonly used in descriptive texts:
- Nouns and adjectives
- Present tense verbs
- Past imperfect verbs
- Time, manner, and place references
- Comparisons
- Metaphors
- Adverbs
- Connectors
Types of Descriptions
- Objective or Subjective Description: Objective description uses an impersonal, general point of view. Subjective description reflects a personal point of view, incorporating the author’s thoughts and feelings.
- Static or Dynamic Description: Static description focuses on objects, places, or situations, primarily using “to be” verbs. Dynamic description relates processes, using action verbs like “approach,” “move,” or “retreat.”
Examples of Descriptive Texts
1. Descriptive Text of a Plant: Cacti
Cacti are plants of the family of Cactaceae. They are native to America but are also found in Africa and Madagascar. They are medium, large or small in size. Inside they contain a large volume of aloe as a reserve of liquid since they are plants found in desert climates (dry).
These plants produce attractive, solitary, hermaphroditic flowers. Their size varies greatly by species, from towering specimens over 2 meters tall to diminutive varieties just a few centimeters in height.
2. Descriptive Text of an Object: Lamp
A lamp is an energy-converting device. Though commonly viewed as a single unit, it consists of two main parts: the luminaire (the supporting fixture) and the lamp proper (the light-producing element such as a bulb).
While originally designed purely for illumination, lamps now come in countless varieties. They can be classified by age, price, durability, and style.
3. Descriptive Text of Furniture for Sale
An oak dining set featuring a 4 meter x 3.50 meter table with four matching chairs. The table extends to 6 meters in length. Both table and chairs are finished with protective wood polish for durability. Additional chairs (sets of 2 or 4) are available for purchase if needed.
4. Descriptive Text of a Property Rental
The apartment measures 95 square meters with northeast exposure overlooking the building’s main garden. It features 4 bedrooms, a living room, a breakfast room, and covered parking.
Spacious and bright, the apartment offers views in all directions through large windows that maximize natural light. Utilities included in the rental: electricity, gas, drinking water, and building maintenance fees.
Building amenities include a terrace, indoor pool, and gym. All facilities are available to tenants and owners through scheduled coordination with staff.
5. Descriptive Text of a Tree: The Ceiba
The Ceiba (or Ceibo) is native to South America, typically growing 5 to 10 meters tall, with some specimens reaching 20 meters.
Found in Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay, and Argentina, it thrives in flood-prone areas rather than forests or dry regions.
The Ceiba flower holds special significance as the national flower of both Argentina and Uruguay.
6. Descriptive Text of a Virus: H1N1
The H1N1 virus transmits through saliva, airborne particles, or contact with contaminated animal products.
It has evolved into various subtypes, including Spanish flu, avian flu, and swine flu. The current strain shares similarities with the 1918 influenza virus.
Reintroduced to the global population in 1970, it has caused significant health complications and over 29,000 deaths worldwide. The modern strain differs from the 1918 version by only 25-30 amino acids out of 4,400 total, marking it as a resurgent strain.
7. Descriptive Text of a Pet
Ana’s dog is a large black mixed-breed. Fully vaccinated, “Puppy” is 14 years old. Though slightly deaf, he remains obedient. Due to his advanced age, he spends most of his time sleeping.
8. Descriptive Text of a Family
José Luis’s family includes nine siblings: five girls and four boys. As the youngest, he lives with them in a small house built by their late father. Located in a remote area, their mother Juana works full-time to support them.
9. Descriptive Text of a Region: The Netherlands
Holland comprises two regions within the Netherlands, a European country. While “Netherlands” and “Holland” are often confused, Holland represents just 2 of the country’s 12 regions. Since 1840, Holland has been divided into North Holland and South Holland provinces.
10. Descriptive Text of an Animal: White Tiger
The white tiger, a subspecies of the Bengal tiger, lacks the typical orange pigmentation, resulting in its distinctive white coat while retaining black stripes. These tigers typically grow slightly larger than their orange counterparts. Their rare coloring has made them popular attractions in wildlife exhibits and sanctuaries, making them sought-after exotic animals.