The descriptive text is a textual typology which has as its main function portray objects, places, people, feelings or events in detail.
In this type of text, the author uses a language rich in sensory particularities, such as colors, shapes, sounds, smells, textures and flavors, as well as subjective aspects. This way, the interlocutor can mentally visualize what is being described, immersing yourself in the scene or context presented.
To achieve this objective, several linguistic resources in this type of text, such as the use of adjectives, phrases, linking verbs and adverbs.
Descriptive texts are very common in narrative genres, such as short stories, novels and chronicles. In these, they are used as a powerful tool to transmit information, create atmospheres and emotionally involve the reading public. See the following example, taken from the short story "The Lion", by Dalton Trevisan:
The girl leads me in front of the lion, forgotten by a passing circus. It is not trapped, old and sick
, on iron railing. I was released on the lawn and the thin wire mesh is insult to the king of animals.No more than a lion's shard: the legs rheumatic, the mane tangled and dull. His globulous eyes closed tiredly, on his snout I counted nine or ten flies, which he didn't have the heart to swat away. Drops ran from his large nostrils and I thought, for a moment, that they were tears.. [...]
(Dalton Trevisan, "The Lion")
In this excerpt of the story, the description occurs in several sections (highlighted in bold). In them, the author uses it to characterize, individualize and compose the protagonist, the lion.
Features of descriptive text
Use of adjectives, nouns and adjective phrases.
Use of linking verbs (be, be, remain, seem, stay, etc.).
Creating a mental image through description.
Richness of sensorial and subjective details.
Wide use in literary and communicative genres.
Types of descriptive text
There are basically two types of descriptive texts: goals It is subjective. Both differ in the way the author approaches the description of objects, places, people, or events. Each has distinct characteristics that shape how information is presented and perceived by the interlocutor.
Objective descriptive text
Objectivity: The objective descriptive text's main objective is to transmit information directly, precisely and without personal influence from the enunciator. The description aims to be neutral and impartial, avoiding any subjective interpretation.
Emphasis on tangible facts and details: In this type of text, the author focuses on presenting concrete facts and tangible details. Description is generally based on objective and measurable observations, seeking to provide a precise and accurate representation of the object or event.
Use of impersonal language: The language in objective descriptive text is generally impersonal, avoiding the first person and personalistic expressions.
Examples: a technical report describing the physical characteristics of a piece of equipment, an instruction manual or a description of a natural phenomenon, such as a solar eclipse, are examples of descriptive texts goals.
Example of objective descriptive text:
A record player is an electronic device used to play vinyl records. It consists of a solid base, usually made of metal or resistant plastic, with a flat surface. On this base, there is a turntable on which the record is placed.
In the center of the turntable is a shaft that allows the record to rotate smoothly and stably. A phonograph needle or capsule is mounted on an articulated arm that extends over the record. This needle is responsible for contacting the vinyl grooves and translating the recorded information into audible sound.
The device has a motor that drives the turntable and controls the rotation speed of the disc. There are different models of record players, some with additional features such as speed adjustment.
On the front of the record player, there are usually controls to turn it on or off. The audio output allows sound signals to be transmitted to an amplifier or speakers for the sound to be amplified and heard.
Subjective descriptive text
Personal experience and impressions: subjective descriptive text focuses on the sender's personal experience and the impressions that the object, place, person or event makes on him. In this text, he shares his emotions, sensations and opinions.
Expressive freedom: the author has the freedom to use creative and expressive language to convey his impressions. You can use figures of speech and other expressive resources to enrich the description.
First person and personal language: Unlike objective text, subjective descriptive text often uses the first person.
Examples: a travel diary, an excerpt of narrative in which the narrator describes sentimental aspects of a character, a poem or a film review in which the critic shares his personal impressions are examples of descriptive texts subjective.
Example of subjective descriptive text:
We drove along the tree-lined mirror of the sunless sea avenues. Faint gold lozenges nationalized the green interior hills. On the other blue side of the bay, Serra dos Órgãos saw mountains. Boats. And the past came back in the breeze of delicious puffs. Rolah kept skidding in tunnels.
Copacabana was a shivering velvet in the luminous night through the city's cracks.[...]
(Oswald de Andrade, "Sentimental Memoirs of João Miramar")
How to write descriptive text
Writing descriptive text involves the ability to convey vivid sensory details about an object, place, person, or event. Here are the essential steps to writing effective descriptive copy:
Choose the subject of the description: Start by choosing what you want to describe in detail. It can be an object, a place, a person or an event. Make sure you have a clear picture of what you are describing in mind.
Use sensory language: use language rich in sensory details to convey experiences to readers. Describe colors, textures, shapes, smells, sounds and flavors related to the subject of the description.
Organize details logically: organize the details logically, following an order that makes sense. You can use a spatial, temporal, or feature approach, depending on what you are describing.
Be specific and precise: Be specific when choosing words and phrases. Avoid generalizations and use terms that convey accurate information about what you are describing.
Use figures of speech: in the case of a subjective description, use figures of speech, such as metaphors, comparisons and metonymies, to create more vivid and interesting images. They can help make the description more expressive.
Evaluate perspective and point of view: Consider the perspective from which you are describing. The point of view will influence how readers perceive the description.
Bibliography:
BAZERMAN, Charles. Textual Genres, Typification and Interaction. São Paulo: Cortez, 2005.
FÁVERO, Leonor L.; KOCH, Ingedore G. v. Contribution to a textual typology. Uberlândia: Letras & Letras, 1987.
See too:
- Textual genres
- Examples of Textual Genres
- Text Meaning
- Text types
- Textual genres and types
