Page 6 - E-module for English for Civil Engineering

Structure of the descriptive Text (generic structure) is:

1. Identification is a general description of one topic
2. Description contains detailed characteristics of a thing, a place or people being described

The characteristics of descriptive text:

- using simple present tense

- using adjective, adverb, and noun phrase (Article + Adj + noun)

- using attribute verb, such as (am, is, are)

- focusing on one object only

Active Simple Present tense

Simple Present Tense

1. Singular subject + is + noun/adjective/ noun phrase

Example: The Brooklyn Bridge is a hybrid cable-stayed/suspension bridge in New York

City.

2. Singular subject + V1 + S/ES + Object
Example: It connects the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn by spanning the East River.

3. Plural Subject + are + noun/adjective/ noun phrase

Example: The deck and the towers are high enough.

4. Plural Subject + V1 + Object

Example: They support the enormous weight of the roadway and cables

Passive Simple present tense
1. Singular Subject + is + V3

The Manhattan Bridge is situated in New York

2. Plural Subjects + are + V3

The two towers are designed to be high and bulk

3. All subject + Modals + be+ V3

The traffic on the river would not be interfered

Modal: must, may, should, would, could, will, shall, might