Explanation Text
EXPLANATION TEXT
Definition of Explanation Text
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.
Generic Structure of Explanation
– General statement
General statement; stating the phenomenon issues which are to be explained.
– Sequenced of explanation
Sequenced explanation; stating a series of steps which explain the phenomena.
– Closing
Namely the conclusion or conclusion of the story. Actually, closing is not listed in the generic structure of the Explanation text, but most people assume that the last paragraph of an Explanation text is closing, even though it is part of a squenced of exploration which contains the final steps described in the squenced of explanation section.
Linguistic Rules of Explanation Text
Explanation text explains scientifically the process and causes of a phenomenon by using standard universal languages. The explanation of information in the explanatory text is easy for general readers to understand or is not limited to certain circles. Therefore, the writing and use of words in the explanatory text must be in accordance with PUEBI. The following are the characteristics of the explanatory text language rules.
- Copula
This word is used to explain the definition of words, terms, or concepts related to a phenomenon. For example, in the sentence Indonesia is an archipelago country.
- Active verb
This word is often used as part of a series of explanations, because it aims to explain causes and processes, so that the subject (phenomenon) acts as the goal of a particular action or event.
- Conjunction
The conjunctions used explain the causal relationship and the chronological relationship in the occurrence of a phenomenon. For example, if, if, so, before, first, and then.
- Adverb of time
This word is used to describe the time when a phenomenon occurs.
- Scientific term
Context-appropriate scientific terms are often used to clarify the definition, cause and effect relationship, or the chronology of a phenomenon.
- Noun pronouns
The subject described uses a noun (nonperson), such as that, this, and that. The explanatory text also only focuses on general things, such as earthquakes, floods.
Purpose of Explanation
– Explanation is a text which tells processes relating to forming of natural, social, scientific, and cultural phenomena.
– To explain how or why something happens.
According to Mark Anderson and Kathy Anderson (1997: 82) says that the explanation text type is often used to tell how and why thing (phenomena) occur in nature.
Explanation Text Characteristics
Explanation text has the following characteristics:
- Using the Simple Present Tense
The use of simple present tense is because the explanation text contains the facts of an incident or action.
- Using Passive Voice
In the explanation text there must be a sentence passive voice. Why? because this text aims to explain an event or action (object) rather than its subject.
- Using Chronological Connectors
Almost all texts use chronological connectors. Examples of chronological connectors: First, Second, After that. Next, Then, Finally, etc.
- Using Nouns, Pronouns, and Action Verbs
Explanation text is the same as any other text which consists of various nouns, pronouns (subject pronoun, object pronoun, possessive pronoun), action verbs.
Types of Explanation Text
The following are types of explanation text:
- Sequential Explanation
Sequential explanation is a type of explanation that describes the details of the stages of a phenomenon. For example, the sequence of the life cycle in the form of a food chain.
- Factorial Explanation
Factorial explanation is a type of explanation that describes the effect and outcome of a process. For example, regarding the effects of colonialism.
- Theoretical Explanations
Theoretical Explanation is a type of explanation that contains the possibility of speculation that might occur behind natural phenomena. For example, the eruption of Mount Merapi could trigger another devastating natural disaster.
- Causal Explanation
Causal Explanation is the nature of explanation that progressively explains the origin or cause of changes in a problem. For example, the landslide process.
Language Features of Explanation Text
In an explanation text, there are linguistic features as below :
– Using simple present tense
– Using abstract noun (no visible noun)
– Using Passive voice
– Using Action verbs
– Containing explanation of the process ..
Examples of Explanation Text
Example of Explanation Text about Natural Phenomenon
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
Changes of pronouns from active voice to passive voice
- Identify the subject, the verb and the object : SVO
- Change the object into subject.
- Put the suitable helping verb or auxiliary verb. In case the helping verb is given, use the same verb but note that the helping verb is given, use the same verb but note that helping verb given agrees with the object.
- Change the verb into the past participle form
- Add the preposition “By”
- Change the subject into object.
Example
Active Voice
| Passive Voice |
The teacher is going to explain the lesson.
| The lesson is going to be explained by the teacher |
She closed the door
| The door was closed by her |
Forming Passive Voice
An annotated explanation text
Exercise of Explanation Text
Watch this video for more further information about Explanation Text :
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