Explanation text 

Definition of Explanation Text

Explanation is a text which tells processes relating to forming   of natural, social, scientific and cultural phenomena. Explanation text is to say ‘why’ and ‘how’ of the forming of the phenomena. It is often found in science, geography and history text books.

PURPOSE

An explanation is written to explain how and why something in the world happens. It is about actions rather than about things. Explanations play a valuable role in building and storing our knowledge.Technical and scientific writing are often expressed in this form.

Text Description of the Features

Some of the characteristics of this text, namely:

•   Using the Simple Present Tense

  This text uses the Simple Present Tense because it describes facts.

• Using Action Verbs

 Action Verbs are verbs used to describe an ongoing action.  Examples are do, make, create, and so on.

•  Using Passive Voices

 The use of Passive Voices aims to emphasize the focus on the event that is taking place rather than the subject.

•  Using Noun Phrases
•  Using Technical Terms

 These technical terms refer to technical terms related to the topics discussed in this text.

•  Contains an explanation of the process

STRUCTURE OF EXPLANATION TEXTS

Explanations have the following structure:

• title

• general statement introducing or identifying

the phenomenon

• series of sequenced paragraphs

• concluding paragraph

• labelled diagrams and flow charts.

General structure

• General statement

about a general explanation of the phenomenon to be discussed, can be an introduction to the phenomenon or an explanation.

• Squenced of explanation

contains an explanation of the process why this phenomenon can occur or be created. A squenced of explanation in the form of an answer to the author's 'why' and 'how' questions when making an explanation text. In squenced of explanation it may consist of more than one paragraph.

• Conclusion  

Contains a conclusion from the explanation itself but not all explanations have a conclusion.

Characteristics Explanation Text

An explanatory text usually comes from the author's questions related to 'why' and 'how' to an existing phenomenon. Because what is raised is a phenomenon, the focus of the material is not on the object or person, but on events or events that occur to that person or thing using the Simple Present tense.

Types of Explanation Texts: Explanation texts are categorized according to the type of process they describe. 

Cause and Effect Explanation: Explanation text that links cause and effect in explaining how and why an event occurred, for example volcanoes. 

Sequential Explanation: Explanations that describe natural and non-natural phenomena, for example life cycles.

Examples of Explanation Text

Example of Explanation Text about Natural Phenomenon

How does Rain Happen?

Rain is the primary source of fresh water for most areas of the world, providing suitable conditions for diverse ecosystems, as well as water for hydroelectric power plants and crop irrigation.

The phenomenon of rain is actually a water circle. The concept of the water cycle involves the sun heating the Earth’s surface water and causing the surface water to evaporate. The water vapor rises into the Earth’s atmosphere. The water in the atmosphere cools and condenses into liquid droplets. The droplets grow until they are heavy and fall to the earth as precipitation which can be in the form of rain or snow.

However, not all rain reaches the surface. Some evaporates while falling through dry air. This is called virga, a phenomenon which is often seen in hot, dry desert regions

Explanation Text Characteristics

•  Using simple present tens
•  Use an abstract noun (a visible noun)
•  Using Passive voice
•  Using Action verbs
•  The Communicative Purpose of the Text

 To explain the processes involved in the formation or working of natural or sociocultural phenomena.

The Generic Structure (structure or text framework)

•  General Statement (general statement), a statement to position the reader.  (Belqis Huril Z)
•  A sequenced explanation of why or how something happened, a series of explanations for why or how something happened.  (Soimah)
•  Closing, if any.  (Latifa)

 

 Significant Lexicogrammatical Features (Language Features)

 Use:

•  Focus on generic human and generic non-human Participants.  (Monica)
•  Use of Passive Voice.  (Nasiruddin)
•  Time Conjunctions.  (Sofi)
•  Using Action verbs (Tri)

General statement

Woodchipping is a process used to obtain pulp and paper products from forest trees. The woodchipping process begins when the trees are cut down in a selected area of the forest called a coupe.

Squence of explanation

Next the tops and branches of the trees are cut out and then the logs are taken to the mill. At the mill the bark of the logs is removed and the logs are taken to a chipper which cuts them into small pieces called woodchips. The woodchips are then screened to remove dirt and other impurities. At this stage they are either exported in this form or changed into pulp by chemicals and heat. The pulp is then bleached and the water content is removed.

Closing

Finally the pulp is rolled out to make paper.

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