RECOUNT PARAGRAPH

1.      Definition

Recount Paragraph is paragraph which retells past events or experience for the purpose of informing or entertaining. This could include personal events, factual incidents or imaginary incidents

2.      Social Function

It is utilized to inform or entertain the reader.

3.      Generic Structure

·        Orientation

Setting the scene and giving the necessary background information such as, who, when, where, what, and why.

• Events

Retelling the event in chronological order or logical sequence, usually in the past. (there is no complication in recount)

• Reorientation

Including a personal comment or opinion and a closing statement.

4.      Special Characteristics

A good recount:

•         is well-organized and relates events in sequence by using appropriate linking and cohesive devices;

•         focuses on the important participants in the event; and

•         includes details and personal responses to add to the readers’ or listeners’ interest.

Personal recount should be written in the first person (using personal pronouns I/We, etc.)

Factual recount should be written in the third person (he, she, it, etc.)

5.      Writing Recount Paragraph

a.      Orientation

Setting and necessary background are carefully established in order to provide the reader information about ‘who’, ‘When’, ‘Where’, ‘what’, and ‘why’.

Example:

My friends and I went to one of the well-known island in Bali, Lembongan.

b.  Events

The next step after constructing the orientation is to organize the events in chronological order or logical sequence. The focus should be on the important participant in the events; moreover, retelling the events should be done in line with type of the recount (i.e. personal or factual recount).

The following are some events that are chronologically arranged:

-         We visited Mangrove in which we could enjoy mangrove and its population that protected some parts of Lembongan Island;

-         Gala-Gala Under Ground House was the second place where we took pleasure in;

-         It was an outstanding human-made building which was ever made;

-         The third place which showed the almighty of the God was Sunset Beach in which we were presented by miraculous natural view that spoiled our eyes; in addition, we could ‘taste’ gorgeous sunset.

c.  Reorientation

This part in which we can put personal comment or closing statement is also optional in recount paragraph; thus, if you write it, it is suggested to write an interesting ending that attract the readers.

Example:

We really loved the trip and were looking forward to visiting other interesting places in Lembongan Island; what an enjoyable trip it was.

A Visit to Lembongan Island

            On Sunday morning, my friends and I went to one of the well-known island in Bali, Lembongan. At first, we visited Mangrove in which we could enjoy mangrove and its population that protected some parts of Lembongan Island. Gala-Gala Under Ground House was the second place where we took pleasure in. Furthermore, it was an outstanding human-made building that was ever made. The third place which showed the almighty of the God was Sunset Beach in which we were presented by miraculous natural view that spoiled our eyes; in addition, we could ‘taste’ gorgeous sunset. Therefore, we really loved the trip and were looking forward to visiting other interesting places in Lembongan Island; what an enjoyable trip it was.