Descriptive Text Grade 9

 

What is a Descriptive Text?

• Definition:
  A descriptive text is a text that describes a particular person, place, animal, or thing in detail.

• Purpose:
  To give information and describe the characteristics of the subject so the reader can imagine it clearly.

Generic Structure:

1. Identification → Introduces the object/person/animal being described.

2. Description → Describes the characteristics, parts, qualities, or behavior.

Language Features:

• Simple Present Tense (e.g., The bekantan lives in…)

• Adjectives to describe (e.g., long nose, reddish-brown fur)

• Relating verbs (e.g., is, has, belongs to)

• Technical terms related to the topic (e.g., endangered, mangrove forest)

• Specific noun (e.g., the bekantan, not monkey)

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3. Example of Descriptive Text

Title: The Bekantan, Indonesia’s Unique Monkey

Identification:
The bekantan, also known as the proboscis monkey, is a rare primate that can only be found in some parts of Indonesia, especially on the island of Borneo. This monkey is one of the symbols of Indonesian wildlife and is very famous for its unusual appearance.

Description:
The most striking feature of the bekantan is its long and big nose, especially in adult males. The nose is not only unique but also functions as a resonator to produce loud calls. The bekantan has reddish-brown fur on its back and shoulders, while its belly is covered with greyish-white fur. It also has a long tail that helps it balance when jumping from tree to tree.

The bekantan usually lives in groups of 10–30 monkeys. They are social animals that spend most of their time in mangrove forests, riversides, and swampy areas. Unlike most monkeys, the bekantan is an excellent swimmer. It often dives into the water to escape from predators such as crocodiles or snakes.

As for food, the bekantan mainly eats young leaves, seeds, and fruits. However, it has a special stomach that helps digest leaves which are hard to process. Sadly, this species is categorized as endangered because of massive deforestation, illegal hunting, and habitat destruction. The bekantan is now protected by law, and conservation efforts are being carried out to save this unique animal.

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4. Vocabulary Enrichment

• striking = mencolok

• resonator = penguat suara

• balance = keseimbangan

• predator = pemangsa

• endangered = terancam punah

• conservation = pelestarian

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5. Grammar Focus

Simple Present Tense in Descriptive Text

• The bekantan lives in mangrove forests.

• It has reddish-brown fur.

• The bekantan is an endangered animal.

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6. Exercises

A. Comprehension Questions

1. What is another name for the bekantan?

2. Where can we find the bekantan?

3. What is the function of the bekantan’s long nose?

4. What makes the bekantan a good swimmer?

5. Why is the bekantan endangered?

B. Fill in the Blanks

1. The bekantan is famous for its long ______.

2. It usually lives near ______ forests.

3. The bekantan eats young leaves, seeds, and ______.

4. Its long tail helps it maintain ______.

5. The bekantan is protected by ______.

C. Writing Practice

Write a descriptive text (8–10 sentences) about one of these Indonesian animals:

• Komodo dragon

• Orangutan

• Bali starling

• Sumatran tiger

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7. Reflection (Metacognitive)

• What new vocabulary did you learn today?

• What is the difference between Identification and Description?

• Can you write a descriptive text about your favorite animal?