by Diah Nurhayati
The social
function is to describe
the way things are, with reference to arrange or natural, man-made or social
phenomena in our environment.
or
to inform the reader or listener about something such as
nature, animals, plants, man-made, and other social phenomena in our environment as the way it is.
*The
information states in the report text is obtained by the result of an
observation and analysis.
Information
reports usually contain:
1. a general introduction that often includes a
definition
2. a series of statements that provide us with facts
about subject
3. a summary of the information given
The generic
structure of report text are:
1. General classification
2. Description (parts, qualities, habits or behavior *if living*, uses *if non-natural*)
Language
features:
1.Focus on generic participants
2. Use of simple present
3. Use technical terms (example: herd, mountains,
block-fault mountains, etc.)
4. Use “being
(to be)” and “action” verb
5. Use of passive voice
Example 1
The Amazing Animal
Elephants1 are the largest land animal
on earth. They have the largest brains of any mammal.
|
Generic structure:
General Classification
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Elephants talk to each other. Researchers have
discovered more than 50 different types of calls that they use to communicate
with each other. Their trunks7 are6
strong enough to pick up trees but sensitive enough to a flower. They use
sticks as tools to sweep8 paths, to scratch8
themselves, to swat flies, and to draw in the dirt.
Elephants are good swimmers and use their trunks like snorkels7.
They live together in family groups. They help each other when in trouble.
They join together to care for and rescue their young.
Source: English student book
grade IX
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Description
|
Example 2
Thanksgiving
Day
Thanksgiving1 or Thanksgiving Day is a celebration of harvest2,
thankfulness for peace, and the attempt of Native Americans. It is usually
celebrated in late autumn.
In the past, Thanksgiving was celebrated3 for their rich
harvest in New England. In North America, however, it was originally held to
thank God for their survival in the new land which was not easy for them.
However, in Canada, it had been celebrated4 as in New
England. Thanksgiving now is celebrated5 in United States of
America and in Canada. Thanksgiving festivals are held5 every
fourth Thursday of November in the U.S and on the second Monday of October in
Canada. It is usually celebrated in four to five days in the North America and
for three days in Canada.
It is celebrated through families and friends gathering to eat and give
good luck. Turkey is the main dish in the thanksgiving dinner. Thanksgiving
parades are also usually held. In Thanksgiving homes are decorated5
with wreaths, fresh and dried flowers. Lamps are lighted to brighten the
environment. Tables are decorated with best china and antique silver dishes to
mark the occasion.
Source : http://www.englishindo.com
*Note:
1 : generic participant
2 : present tense
3 : passive voice (with past tense)
4 : passive voice (with past perfect)
5 : passive voice (with simple present)
6 : to be
7 : technical term
8 : action verb
Passive voice
Passive
voice is used when the focus is on the action.
When rewriting active sentences in passive voice, note the following:
- the object
of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence
- the finite
form of the verb is changed (to be + past participle)
- the
subject of the active sentence becomes the object of the passive sentence
(or is dropped.
Reference
