Explanation Text Definition and Example

1.      Definition of Explanation Text

The explanation text type tells how or why something occurs. It looks at the steps rather than the things. The purpose of an explanation is to tell each step of the process (the how) and to give reasons (the why). (Mark Anderson and Kathy Anderson, 1997:81) Explanation is a text which tells processes relating to forming of natural, social, scientific, and cultural phenomena.

According to Mark Anderson and Kathy Anderson (1997: 82) says that the explanation text type is often used to tell how and why thing (phenomena) occur in nature. Some examples of explanations are: How something occurs, why something happened, why things are a like or different, how to solve a problem, etc.

2.      Generic structure

According to Mark Anderson and Kathy Anderson (1997: 82) features of an explanation consists of

a.       Constructing a written explanation

The steps for constructing a written explanation are:

·         A general statements about the event or thing

·         A series of paragraphs that tell the how’s or why’s

·         A concluding paragraph

b.         Language features in an explanation

The language features usually found in an explanation are:

·         Technical language

·         Words that show cause and effect

·         Use of the timeless present tense

Explanation is a text which tells processes relating to forming of natural, social, scientific, and culture phenomena.

Generic structure of explanation:

General statement                   : stating the phenomenon issues which are to be explained

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

(Source: http//www.english.com.what-is-explanation.html)

2.                   Example of explanation text:

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.

Posted in: BAHASA INGGRIS XII,XII