Task 1: Understanding the nature of explanation texts
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Explanation Text
The Social Function
of Explanation Text
Explanation text is a kind of text
that has social purpose to explain how and why something works or
happens.Explanations play a valuable role in building and storing our
knowledge. They are a central part of scientific writing and expressing
scientific expertise.
There are two types of explanations
text.
· The first type explains an occurrence or how
something works.
For example: “How a kettle boils
water”; “How a television works”; “How avalanches occur” etc.
· The second type explains why things happen.
For example: “Why objects expand”;
“Why we have a water cycle”, etc.
The Text Structures
of Explanation Text
· Title
Explanations have a title that
prepares and leads the reader into the text.
· General statement
The first paragraph has general
statement that introduces or identifies the scientific or technical
phenomenon.
· Sequenced statements
The explanation sequence should be
made up of a series of happening or actions that are the focus of the
explanation text type. The logically sequenced paragraphs explain why or how
something happens rather than focusing on an object. Generally, there is no
human involved in the process of events in an explanation.
· Concluding statement
An optional concluding statement ca
tie up the explanation.
· Labeled diagrams and flow charts
Labeled diagrams and flow chart can be
used to clarify information or to add additional information not included in
the explanation. In particular, in scientific texts accurate diagrams and
illustrations are important to support the text.
Language Features of
Explanation Texts
· Vocabulary: general nouns, technical language, noun
groups
· Grammar: action verbs, ‘timeless’ present tense,
passives, adverbial phrases, causal & temporal connectives.
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Explanation
Text Quiz
Based on your viewing and reading, decide whether the
following statements about explanation texts are TRUE or FALSE. Put a üin the
box provided when you think the statements are TRUE, and a X when you think
they are FALSE.
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No
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STATEMENTS
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TRUE (ü)
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FALSE(X)
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1
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Explanations answer the questions on ‘how’ something works or ‘why’
something happens.
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ü
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2
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An example of natural explanation text
would have a title like ‘How ice flowers are formed’.
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ü
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3
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An example of mechanical explanation
text would be a short text titled ‘How to prepare pancakes’.
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X
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|
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4
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An explanation text begins with a
general statement that introduces the phenomenon to discuss in the text.
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ü
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|
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5
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The first paragraph has a general
statement that introduces or identifies the scientific or technical
phenomenon.
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ü
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|
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6
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The body of an explanation text
consist of a series of sequenced statements about the process explained.
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ü
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|
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7
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‘present tense’ is used to describe
actions involved in the process.
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ü
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8
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Connectives such as first,
then, after, finally, so, as a consequence are used to show cause
and effect relationship in explanations
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ü
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9
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The use of passive voice is
optional in explanations.
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X
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10
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Graphic organizers (GO) such as tables,
charts and diagrams are commonly used in
explanations as decorations.
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X
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