What is Explanation Genre Text?
An explanation genre text is a type of writing specifically designed to clarify how or why something occurs, focusing on processes, sequences, and relationships rather than merely describing static objects or events.
At its core, an explanation text aims to inform the reader about a complex subject by breaking it down into understandable parts. Unlike a descriptive text that paints a picture of "what" something is, an explanation text delves into the mechanics of "how" it works or the reasons "why" it exists or behaves in a certain way.
Key Characteristics and Purpose
The primary purpose of an explanation genre text is to enlighten the audience about a particular phenomenon, process, or concept. This genre excels at making intricate subjects accessible and comprehensible.
- Process-Oriented: As highlighted in its definition, this genre "is used to explain a process set out in stages, rather than describing a 'thing'." This means the text often follows a chronological order for processes or a logical cause-and-effect structure for phenomena.
- Focus on "How" and "Why": Explanation texts directly address questions like "How do things work?" or "How or why have things come to be the way they are?" They provide insight into the mechanisms or reasons behind observable facts.
- Informative and Factual: The content is typically based on factual information, scientific principles, or logical reasoning, aiming to build understanding rather than persuade or entertain.
Structure and Features
Explanation texts are typically structured to guide the reader through the explanation logically and clearly.
Common Structural Elements:
- Title/Heading: Often indicates the subject of the explanation, sometimes posed as a question (e.g., "How Does a Volcano Erupt?" or "Why Do Leaves Change Color?"). It can also be a direct definition of the subject area.
- Introduction: Briefly introduces the phenomenon or process that will be explained.
- Sequential Paragraphs/Sections: The core of the explanation, presenting information in a logical flow, often with cause-and-effect relationships or chronological stages.
- Diagrams/Illustrations: Often accompany the text to visually represent the stages or components of the explanation.
- Conclusion: Summarizes the main points or restates the overall outcome of the process.
Typical Text Features:
- Technical Vocabulary: May include subject-specific terms, which are often explained within the text.
- Connective Words: Use words and phrases that show cause and effect (
because,therefore,as a result), sequence (first,next,then,finally), or comparison/contrast. - Present Tense: Often written in the present tense, as it describes general truths or ongoing processes.
- Impersonal Language: Tends to be objective and impersonal, focusing on the subject rather than personal opinions.
Examples of Explanation Genre Texts
Explanation texts are prevalent in various fields, from science and technology to history and social studies.
- Scientific Explanations:
- How Photosynthesis Works: Detailing the stages by which plants convert sunlight into energy.
- Why the Sky is Blue: Explaining the scattering of sunlight by the Earth's atmosphere.
- The Water Cycle: Illustrating the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.
- Technical Explanations:
- How an Internal Combustion Engine Functions: Describing the four-stroke cycle.
- Steps to Upload a Video Online: A sequence of actions explaining a digital process.
- Historical/Social Explanations:
- Why World War I Started: Explaining the various causes and events leading up to the conflict.
- How a Bill Becomes a Law: Outlining the legislative process in a government.
Explanation vs. Description
To further clarify, here's a quick comparison:
| Aspect | Explanation Genre Text | Description Genre Text |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | To explain how or why something happens or works. | To describe what something is like. |
| Focus | Processes, sequences, causes, effects, mechanisms. | Features, characteristics, sensory details. |
| Content | Dynamic actions, reasons, stages, operations. | Static attributes, appearances, qualities. |
| Question | Answers "How...?" or "Why...?" | Answers "What is it like?" |
Explanation genre texts are fundamental for learning and understanding the world around us, providing clarity and insight into the workings of complex systems and phenomena.
