Descriptive Text

1. Definition

* Descriptive text is the text in written or spoken form which is including some description about something, such as particular person, animals, places/areas, etc.

2. Purpose

* To describe the significant information about a particular person, place or thing.

3. Generic Structure

* Identification: identifies phenomenon to be describe
* Description: describes part, qualities, characteristics

4. Significant Grammatical Features

* Focus on specific Participant
* Use of attributes and identifying Processes
* Frequent use of Epithets and Classifiers in nominal groups
* Use of simple present tens

Example Descriptive Text :

Taj Mahal

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.

Introductory It

When the subject is an infinitive phrase, the sentence often begins with it. Instead of saying ‘To find fault with others is easy’, we say, ‘It is easy to find fault with others’. More examples are given below.

* It is easy to learn English. (More natural than ‘To learn English is easy’.)
* It was not easy to understand his motive.
* It may be advisable to consult a specialist.
* It could be dangerous to drive so fast.
* It was pleasant to sit on the beach.

However, when we want to emphasize the infinitive phrase, it may be put at the beginning especially if it is short.

* To err is human.
* To withdraw now will be sheer folly.

When the subject is a phrase that includes a gerund, it is used as a provisional subject to begin the sentence. Instead of saying ‘Your trying to deceive us is no good’, we may say ‘It is no good your trying to deceive us’.

* Will it be any good my talking to him about it?
* It is no use arguing with him.
* It won’t be much good complaining to the officer about it.

Note that the gerund can be changed into the infinitive.

* Will it be any good for me to talk to him about it?

When the subject is a clause, the sentence usually begins with it. Instead of saying ‘That she was once a famous artist is true’, we may say, ‘It is true that she was once a famous artist’.

* It does not matter whether he comes or not. (= Whether he comes or not does not matter.)
* It is doubtful whether he can pay the dues. (= Whether he can pay the dues is doubtful.)
* It cannot be denied that the doctors did their best to save his life. (= That the doctors did their best to save his life cannot be denied.)

Invitation

Definition:
Invitation is an expression or offering that we used to invite someone.

Offering invitation
•Would you like to come to the restaurant this evening?
•Will you join us?
•Would you care to have dinner with us tonight?
•Could you come to a party at my place tomorrow?
•I wander whether you would care to come on a picnic with us next week?

Accepting invitation
•Yes,I’d love very much.
•Thank you.
•Yes,with pleasure.

Refusing
•If you don’t mind,i’d rather not.
•Thank you,i’m busy,may be next time.
•I have got another appointment.
•I’m sorry.
•I’ve lost to work to do.

EXAMPLE :
Invitation Verbal

Example:
We want to invite you to come to our house
Can you come to my restaurant?
Are you free tonight?

Accepting :
I like that
That sounds good
Thank you for inviting

Refusing :
I like that but I can’t
I’m very sorry for not able to come
Sorry, I’m very busy


Example of Card :