Explanation Text

What is an explanation text?

An explanation text tells the reader how something works or why something happens. It describes the stages in the process, for example, water cycle, how a caterpillar turns into a butterfly. An explanation text can also details the causes, for example why we blink when we sneeze, why is the ozone layer getting thinner.

Features

1. Explanation text is written in simple present. It tells facts or general truth.
2. Talk in group instead of individual, e.g. boats, cats, cows, and so on.
3. It uses connectives to tell the sequencing process such as first, then, following, finally, and many more. It sometimes uses connective that explain cause-effect like so and because.

Structure

Title

Title is an important part. It can introduce what the paragraphs explain about. We may use questions why or how on the title, for example why do we sneeze? or how do we breathe?

Introduction

This gives information what to be explained in the following paragraphs. 

Explanation

These paragraphs inform the steps explaining why or how it happens.

Conclusion

The last paragraph sums up the main ideas or draw everything together.

These are some example of explanation text. Click to read the text.
Water Cycle
How a butterfly is born?

Reference
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/english/englishD4.htm 
http://www.literacyideas.com/explanation-texts/ 
http://englishonline.tki.org.nz/English-Online/Planning-for-my-students-needs/Resources-research-and-professional-support/Features-of-text-forms/Explanations