EXPLANATION TEXTS

Explanation texts often use features to help make the meaning clear:

• the present tense
• clear, precise sentences
• formal tone (impersonal)
• short paragraphs
• diagrams and artwork, with captions, arrows and labels

Here you have an example of an explanation about how bees make honey:

When you write an explanation make sure it contains the typical features for this kind of texts. You can practice writing some explanations about the following questions. Don't just tell the answer to the question, but try to give some more information about the subject as well. Then, use the checklist below to see if your explanation is right.

QUESTIONS:

- Why do you wear a hat, gloves and a scarf in the winter?

- Why do people borrow books from a library?

- Why do people recycle?

- Why are there pictures in children's books?

- Why do houses have windows?

- Why are dictionaries in alphabetical order?

CHECKLIST:

Features of Explanation Writing	Your Writing
Does it have a title to tell you what the writing is about?
Is there a general opening statement?
Is it written in a series of logical steps?
Do the steps continue until the explanation is complete?
Is it written in simple present tense?
Does it use time connectives? e.g. then, next, after a while, etc.
Does it use causal connectives? e.g. because, so, this causes, this results in, therefore… etc.
Are there diagrams or illustrations to help with the explanation? (Optional)