Recount Text

What is a Recount Text?

• A recount text is a type of writing that retells events or experiences from the past. Its purpose is to inform or entertain the reader.

Purposes of Recount Text

• To retell past events or experiences.
• To inform the reader of what happened.
• To entertain by sharing stories, whether real or imaginary.

Structure of Recount Text

1. Orientation:
• Introduces the background information: who, what, where, and when.
2. Events:
• A sequence of events in chronological order.
• Details on what happened.
3. Reorientation (optional):
• A conclusion or summary of the story.
• Personal comments or insights.

Language Features of Recount Text

• Past Tense:
• Events are written in the past tense (e.g., went, played, saw).
• Specific Participants:
• The text focuses on specific individuals or groups (e.g., "I", "my family").
• Action Verbs:
• Describes actions taken (e.g., walked, climbed, visited).
• Time Connectives:
• Words that show the sequence of events (e.g., after that, then, next).
• Adverbials of Time & Place:
• Provides information about when and where the events happened (e.g., yesterday, last week, in the park).

Common Types of Recount Text

1. Personal Recount:
• Retelling personal experiences (e.g., a holiday or special event).
2. Factual Recount:
• Recording factual events, often for the public (e.g., historical events or news reports).
3. Imaginative Recount:
• Telling an imaginary story from the perspective of someone or something (e.g., recounting a day as a superhero).

Writing Tips for Recount Text

• Plan the sequence of events before writing.
• Use past tense consistently throughout.
• Include details to make the recount interesting.
• Use time connectives to show the order of events clearly.

Example 1 :

Personal Recount

My Holiday to the Beach

Orientation:
Last summer, I went to Bali with my family for a vacation.

Events:

We arrived on Monday afternoon. The weather was sunny, and the beach looked beautiful.

On the first day, we swam in the ocean. After that, we built sandcastles and collected seashells.

The next day, we visited a local market and bought souvenirs. Later, we had lunch at a seafood restaurant near the beach.

Reorientation:
It was a fantastic holiday, and I can’t wait to go back next year!
Example 2 :

Historical Recount

The Wright Brothers’ First Flight

Orientation:
In 1903, two brothers, Orville and Wilbur Wright, made the first controlled flight of a powered aircraft.

Events:

On December 17, 1903, they tested their plane in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

Orville was the first to fly, and the flight lasted for 12 seconds, covering 120 feet.

They made three more flights that day, and Wilbur’s final flight was the longest, lasting 59 seconds and covering 852 feet.

Reorientation:
Their success marked the beginning of the modern aviation industry.

Example 3

Coming late to School

Last Monday, I came late to school because I watched a Korean movie until 1.00 am. Because of that, I woke up late.

I woke up at about 6.30 am and the class would begin at 7.00 am. I ran to the bathroom to take a bath. I usually had breakfast, but on that day I did not do that.

I went to school by public transportation and arrived at school at 7.35 am. I ran to my class but I saw my teacher has stood in front of the class to teach. I entered my class and of course, he was angry because I came late.

It was my bad experience and I hoped I would not do that again.

Example 4

My Bad Day on Sunday

I had a terrible day yesterday.

First, I woke up an hour late because my alarm clock didn’t go off. Then, I was in such a hurry that I burned my hand when I was making breakfast. After breakfast, I got dressed so quickly that I forgot to wear socks.

Next, I ran out of the house trying to get the 9:30 bus, but of course I missed it. I wanted to take a taxi, but I didn’t have enough money.

Finally, I walked the three miles to my school only to discover that it was Sunday!

I hope I never have a day as the one I had yesterday.

Example 5

The Battle of Surabaya

 1. Orientation

The Battle of Surabaya happened in November 1945 during the Indonesian National Revolution. It occurred after Indonesia declared its independence from Dutch colonial rule, and Surabaya became a major center of conflict between Indonesian nationalists and British-Dutch forces.

 2. Events

The battle started when British troops came to Indonesia to disarm Japanese soldiers. They met Indonesian fighters who refused to surrender their weapons. This situation quickly escalated into a large battle. The Indonesian fighters showed great courage despite having limited weapons and resources, while the British forces were better equipped. The fighting lasted for several weeks and caused many casualties and severe destruction in Surabaya.

 3. Reorientation

After the battle, the British forces eventually withdrew. However, the event strengthened the Indonesian independence movement and became a symbol of resistance against colonialism. The bravery shown in the battle is still remembered and commemorated every year as a reminder of the struggle for Indonesia’s independence.