Features of Descriptive Text-Set 1-Grade 8

In a standard descriptive text, the first part that introduces the subject is called the 'Identification'. Which sentence from the passage serves this function?

• The chameleon is a distinctive and highly specialized type of old-world lizard.

• Its body is laterally compressed, and its eyes are mounted in conical turrets that can move independently.

• The chameleon's tongue is famously long and fast, capable of extending to more than its body length.

• These physical traits combine to make the chameleon a fascinating subject of study in the animal kingdom.

Answer explanation

This question asks the student to recall the definition of 'Identification' in a descriptive text and locate the sentence that performs this role. The first sentence directly identifies the subject (the chameleon) for the reader, which is the exact function of the Identification section.

The part of a descriptive text that provides details about characteristics, parts, and qualities is called the 'Description'. Which of the following is a detail from the 'Description' part of this passage?

• She worked at NASA.

• She was an African American mathematician.

• Her work was characterized by impeccable accuracy.

• Katherine Johnson was a brilliant African American mathematician.

Answer explanation

This question requires the student to identify a specific detail that fits the definition of the 'Description' section. While other options are true, the phrase 'characterized by impeccable accuracy' is a specific quality that describes her work, fitting the function of the Description section.

Descriptive texts often use a specific verb tense to make the subject feel current and immediate. Which tense is predominantly used in this paragraph to describe the drone?

• Past Tense

• Future Tense

• Present Tense

• Past Perfect Tense

Answer explanation

This question asks the student to recall a key language feature of descriptive texts. The passage consistently uses present tense verbs like 'is', 'operates', 'produces', 'makes', and 'allows' to describe the drone as it exists now, which is characteristic of this text type.

According to the typical structure of descriptive text, the main body of the text that details the subject's characteristics is called the ________.

• Identification

• Conclusion

• Orientation

• Description

Answer explanation

This is a fill-in-the-blank question that tests the student's recall of the specific terminology for the parts of a descriptive text. The main part of the passage, which details the sights, sounds, and smells, is the 'Description'.

How does the first sentence, which serves as the 'Identification', prepare the reader for the 'Description' that follows?

• It argues that the ISS is the most important scientific tool ever built.

• It provides a simple definition that is then expanded upon with specific details about its parts and purpose.

• It lists all the countries that participated in building the station.

• It presents a problem that the rest of the paragraph tries to solve.

Answer explanation

This question requires students to understand the relationship between the two main parts of a descriptive text. The first sentence identifies the ISS, and the rest of the paragraph breaks down that identification into descriptive details (modules, labs, solar arrays, purpose), showing how the structure works to build understanding.

How does the 'Identification-Description' structure of this paragraph help the reader understand the concept of bonsai?

• It persuades the reader to start practicing bonsai themselves.

• It tells a chronological story of a single bonsai tree's life.

• It first defines the subject and then explains its key characteristics and techniques.

• It compares bonsai to other art forms like painting and sculpture.

Answer explanation

This question asks students to explain the function of the descriptive text structure. The paragraph works by first identifying what bonsai is ('the Japanese practice of growing and training miniature trees') and then describing its features and methods ('pruning, root reduction, wiring branches'). This structure is effective for explaining a concept.

Based on the details provided, what is the primary purpose of this descriptive paragraph?

• To convince readers to search for bioluminescent fungi.

• To tell a story about a person who discovered foxfire.

• To explain the scientific process of spore dispersal in all fungi.

• To describe what bioluminescent fungi are, what they look like, and where they are found.

Answer explanation

This question requires the student to summarize the information and determine the overall communicative purpose of the text. The paragraph identifies the fungi and then provides details about their appearance, location, and the science behind their glow, all of which serves the main purpose of describing the subject.

Why is this paragraph NOT a classic example of a descriptive text that uses an 'Identification-Description' structure?

• Because it uses past tense instead of present tense.

• Because its primary structure is compare and contrast, not description.

• Because it does not identify a single subject in the first sentence.

• Because it is trying to persuade the reader that solar power is superior.

Answer explanation

This question asks students to understand the defining features of a descriptive text by recognizing a different text structure. The paragraph's organization is built around signal words like 'while', 'in contrast', and 'whereas' to highlight differences between two subjects, which is characteristic of a compare-and-contrast structure, not a descriptive one.

This paragraph is organized chronologically. If you were to rewrite it as a descriptive text about the final product (recycled plastic pellets), how would the structure need to change?

• It would need to start with a story about a plastic bottle.

• The chronological steps would remain the most important feature.

• It would start by identifying the pellets, then describe their appearance, texture, and uses.

• It would need to argue why recycling is important for the environment.

Answer explanation

This question requires students to apply their knowledge of descriptive text structure to a new task. They must understand that changing from a chronological (process) text to a descriptive one involves shifting the focus from 'how it's made' to 'what it is,' which means adopting the 'Identification-Description' structure for the pellets.

This paragraph describes vertical farming. If you were writing a new paragraph to add to this text, which topic sentence would best continue the 'Description' section?

• However, vertical farming also faces challenges, such as high energy costs.

• The first vertical farm was designed in 1999.

• The nutrient solution itself is a complex mixture of minerals like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

• In conclusion, vertical farming is a good idea.

Answer explanation

This question asks students to apply the function of a 'Description' section. They must choose a sentence that continues to describe a specific component or characteristic of the main subject (vertical farming). The correct answer zooms in on one part mentioned—the nutrient system—and offers to describe it further, which is a logical extension of the description.