Explanation Text

Definition and purposes of Explanation

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.

2.      Generic structure of Explanation

General statement; stating the phenomenon issues which are to be explained.

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

3.      Language Features

                a. Using specific participant

                     e.g.  sun, water, rain, etc

                b.  Using chronological connection; to begin with, next, etc

c.  Using Simple Present Tense

d.  Using action verbs

e.  Using passive voice

f.  Using noun phrase

g.  Using adverbial phrase

h.  Using general and abstract noun

i.  Using conjunction of time and cause-effect.

4.      Examples using generic structure of the text

Making Paper from Woodchips
A general statement	Woodchipping is a process used to obtain pulp and paper products from forest trees.
A sequenced explanation of why or how something occurs	The woodchipping process begins when the trees are cut down in a selected area of the forest called a coupe. 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.

Another example of Explanation Text

How Chocolate is made

Have we wondered how we get chocolate from? Well this time we will enter the amazing world of chocolate so we can understand exactly how chocolate is made.

Chocolate is taken from a tree called cacao tree. This tree grows in equatorial regions, especially in place such as South America, Africa, and Indonesia. The cacao tree produces a fruit about the size of a small pine apple. In side the fruits are the tree's seeds. They are also known as coco beans.

Next, the beans are fermented for about a week, dried in the sun. After that they are shipped to the chocolate maker. The chocolate makers work  by roasting the beans to bring out the flavour. The beans from different places have different qualities and flavour. So they are often sorted and blended to produce a distinctive mix.

The next process is winnowing. The roasted beans are winnowed to remove the meat nib of the cacao bean from its shell. Then the nibs are blended. The blended nibs are grind to make liquid. The liquid is called chocolate liquor. It tastes bitter.

All seeds contain amount of fat and cacao beans are not different. However, cacao beans are half fat. It is pure bitter chocolate.

That’s all about Explanation Text, hopefully it will be useful.