Explanation tells how and why things occur in scientific and technical fields. It may include visual image to make the reader understand more easily.

Social function/ Purpose

To explain the processes involved in the formation or  working of natural and socio-cultural phenomena

Generic Structure/ Text organization :

  • General statement: to position the reader
  • A sequenced explanation of WHY and HOW something occurs
  • Closing(optional)

Language Features :

  • Focus on generic, non human participants
  • Use mainly of temporal, causal circumstances and conjunction
  • Use of material processes (action verbs) and relational processes
  • Use of passive voice
  • Use present Tense

Example of Explanation

Paper from Woodchipps

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.

Squence of explanation
Next the tops and branches of the trees are cut out and then the logs are taken to the mill. 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.

 

How does Rain Happen?


Rain is the primary source of fresh water for most areas of the world, providing suitable conditions for diverse ecosystems, as well as water for hydroelectric power plants and crop irrigation.
The phenomenon of rain is actually a water circle. The concept of the water cycle involves the sun heating the Earth’s surface water and causing the surface water to evaporate. The water vapor rises into the Earth’s atmosphere. The water in the atmosphere cools and condenses into liquid droplets. The droplets grow until they are heavy and fall to the earth as precipitation which can be in the form of rain or snow.
However, not all rain reaches the surface. Some evaporates while falling through dry air. This is called virga, a phenomenon which is often seen in hot, dry desert regions.

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