Explanation Text

 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 :

Global Warming

As we know now, global warming which is happening right now has a very big impact on natural conditions, animals and humans. Well, do you know how global warming which has a particularly serious impact on life happens? To know the process of how this phenomenon occurs, see the following explanation.

The process starts when sunlight shines the earth where most of the heat is absorbed by the earth and a half of it is reflected back onto the air (atmosphere). Sunshine returning to the air is trapped by gases in the atmosphere such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, methane, water vapor, and so on. This event is known as the greenhouse effect.

Solar radiation on the earth's atmosphere makes ozone layer get thinner and makes the sunlight which shines the Earth become hotter. The greenhouse effect also causes the sunlight which is reflected back onto space is reflected back into the earth. This phenomenon causes the earth continuously getting hotter. This condition is known as global warming.