1. What is a Recount Text?
A Recount Text is a type of text that retells events or experiences that happened in the past. Its main purpose is to inform or entertain the readers about what occurred.
2. Social Function
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To provide information about a past event.
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To share a personal experience.
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To entertain the readers through a story.
3. Generic Structure
To write a good recount text, you must follow these three parts:
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Orientation: This is the introduction. It tells the reader who was involved, where it happened, when it happened, and what the situation was.
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Events: This is the core of the text. It describes the series of events in chronological order (the order in which they happened). Usually, it uses words like “First,” “Then,” “Next,” and “Finally.”
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Re-orientation: This is the conclusion or closing. It usually contains the writer’s personal comment or feeling about the experience (e.g., “I was very tired but happy”).
4. Language Features
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Using Simple Past Tense: Since it happened in the past, we use Verb 2.
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Example: went, ate, saw, visited, was, were.
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Using Temporal Sequence (Connectives): To show the order of events.
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Example: First, then, after that, finally.
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Using Action Verbs: Words that show physical activity.
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Example: Ran, walked, bought, played.
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Using Adverbs of Time and Place:
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Example: Last week, in Bali, at the beach, yesterday.
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5. Detailed Example & Analysis
Title: My Holiday in Yogyakarta
(Orientation) Last month, my family and I went to Yogyakarta. We stayed at a small hotel near Malioboro Street. We went there by train and arrived in the morning.
(Events) On the first day, we visited Borobudur Temple. It was very crowded but the view was magnificent. We took many pictures there. The next day, we went to the Gembira Loka Zoo. We saw many exotic animals. My brother was very excited when he saw the Komodo dragons. On the last day, we went shopping at Malioboro. I bought some traditional souvenirs and batik shirts for my friends.
(Re-orientation) We felt very happy during our holiday. Even though we were exhausted, it was an unforgettable experience for us.
6. How to Write Your Own Recount Text
Follow these steps:
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Brainstorm: Think of a memorable moment (holiday, accident, competition).
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Drafting: Write down your “Orientation” (Who, when, where).
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Sequencing: List at least 3 things you did during the event.
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Past Tense Check: Make sure you use “V2” (e.g., Use “I bought” instead of “I buy”).
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Closing: Add how you felt about it.
Example 1: Personal Experience (A Bad Day)
My Spilled Milk Monday
(Orientation) Yesterday was arguably the worst day I had this month. It all started in the morning at my house when I woke up late because my alarm clock didn’t go off.
(Events) First, I rushed to the kitchen to have a quick breakfast. As I was pouring milk into my cereal, the cat jumped on the table and scared me. I spilled the whole carton of milk all over my school uniform.
Then, I had to change my clothes quickly, which made me miss the school bus. I had to walk to school under the hot sun. When I finally arrived at the classroom, I realized that I had left my English homework on the dining table. My teacher was disappointed, and I felt very embarrassed.
(Re-orientation) I went home feeling exhausted and moody. I learned that I should always check my alarm and prepare my bag the night before to avoid such a messy day.
Example 2: School Event (Educational Trip)
A Trip to the Planetarium
(Orientation) Last Tuesday, all Grade 8 students of SMP Harapan Bangsa went on an educational trip to the Jakarta Planetarium. We gathered at the school yard at 7 AM and traveled by two big buses.
(Events) After we arrived, we first entered the exhibition hall. We saw replicas of the sun, the planets, and many historical telescopes. Our teacher gave us a worksheet to fill out based on the information we found there.
Next, we entered the Star Theater. We sat in comfortable chairs that leaned back so we could look at the ceiling. The room went dark, and suddenly, the ceiling looked like the night sky. The narrator explained the constellations and how stars are born. It was like traveling through outer space.
Finally, before we went home, we had lunch together in the park nearby and took a group photo in front of the building.
(Re-orientation) The trip was very educational and fun. I felt more interested in astronomy than ever before and couldn’t wait to tell my parents about the stars I saw.
