Explanation Text

 

Hello everyone 

Definition

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 of this text is To explain how or why something happens.

Generic Structure

- General statement: this part consists of a general statement / general introduction of the phenomenon that we are going to explain

- Sequenced of explanation: stating a series of steps which explain the phenomena.

- Closing: the concluding paragraph is presented in this part of explanation text even though it is not a mandatory

Language Feature

In an explanation text, there are linguistic features as below:

- Using simple present tense

- Using abstract noun (no visible noun)

- Using Passive voice

- Using Action verbs

- Containing explanation of the process

Example 

How Does Rain Happen

We all know that rain is primary source of fresh water for most areas of the world, providing suitable condition for diverse ecosystems. Rain is water that descends from the sky through several processes until the rain occurs. Do you know how does rain happen?

The phenomenon of rain is actually a water circle. The concept of water circle includes the sun heating the Earth’s water surface and causing the water surface to evaporate. Earth’s water includes water from lake, river, and ocean. Then, the water vapor experiences condensation and becomes condensed vapor. Condensed vapor is formed from droplets so that when the air temperature is higher, it makes the droplets gather, condensed and formed into clouds. The presence of winds helps clouds move and gather in other places that have lower temperatures. At that time, the droplets become heavier and unstoppable and cause the droplets to fall so that there is rain.

If the droplets drop in an area with very cold temperatures, the droplets will drop as 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.