Explanation Text

What is Explanation?

1. 1.      Definition and purposes of Explanation

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.

1. 2.      Generic structure of Explanation

• General statement; stating the phenomenon issues which are to be explained.
• Sequenced explanation; stating a series of steps which explain the phenomena.

1. 3.      Language Feature

• Featuring generic participant; sun, rain, etc
• Using chronological connection; to begin with, next, etc
• Using passive voice pattern
• Using simple present tense

1. 4.      Examples and structures of the text

Making Paper from Woodchips
A general statement	Woodchipping is a process used to obtain pulp and paper products from forest trees.
	The woodchipping process begins when the trees are cut down in a selected area of the forest called a coupe.
A sequenced explanation of	Next the tops and branches of the trees are cut out and then the logs are taken to the mill.
why or how something occurs	At the mill the bark of the logs is removed and the logs are taken to a chipper which cuts them into small pieces called woodchips.
	The woodchips are then screened to remove dirt and other impurities.At this stage they are either exported in this form or changed into pulp by chemicals and heat.
	The pulp is then bleached and the water content is removed.
Closing	Finally the pulp is rolled out to make paper.

What is Explanation?

1. 1.      Definition and purposes of Explanation

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.

1. 2.      Generic structure of Explanation

• General statement; stating the phenomenon issues which are to be explained.
• Sequenced explanation; stating a series of steps which explain the phenomena.

1. 3.      Language Feature

• Featuring generic participant; sun, rain, etc
• Using chronological connection; to begin with, next, etc
• Using passive voice pattern
• Using simple present tense

1. 4.      Examples and structures of the text

Making Paper from Woodchips
A general statement	Woodchipping is a process used to obtain pulp and paper products from forest trees.
	The woodchipping process begins when the trees are cut down in a selected area of the forest called a coupe.
A sequenced explanation of	Next the tops and branches of the trees are cut out and then the logs are taken to the mill.
why or how something occurs	At the mill the bark of the logs is removed and the logs are taken to a chipper which cuts them into small pieces called woodchips.
	The woodchips are then screened to remove dirt and other impurities.At this stage they are either exported in this form or changed into pulp by chemicals and heat.
	The pulp is then bleached and the water content is removed.
Closing	Finally the pulp is rolled out to make paper.