An Overview of Explanation Text

What is Explanation Text? 
Explanation is a text which tells processes relating to form of natural, social, scientific and cultural phenomena or to say 'why' and 'how' of the forming of the phenomena. It is often found in science, geography and history text books. 

Generic structure

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

Language Feature

1. Featuring generic participant; sun, rain, etc
2. Using chronological connection; to begin with, next, etc
3. Using passive voice pattern
4. Using simple present tense

Example of the Text

Why Summer Daylight is Longer than Winter Daylight

In the summer, the amount of daylight that we get is more than we get in winter. This is not because as much people think we are closer to the sun but because of the tilt of the earth.

The earth is actually closer to the sun in winter than it is in summer but you would be forgiven for thinking that this cannot be true after looking out of your window on a cold and frosty morning.

It seems strange that as the earth get closer to the sun during its orbit then the amount of daylight that we get decrease. But that is the case. It is the tilt of the earth that determine the amount of daylight that we get and so the length of time that for us the sun is above the horizon.

Generic Structure Analysis

1. General statement; stating the phenomenon which daylight in summer is longer than in winter.
2. Explanation; it is the tilt of the earth that determines the amount of daylight not the distance of the earth from the sun.

Language Feature Analysis

1. Focusing generic participant; daylight.
2. Using chronological connection; then, so, but.
3. Using passive voice; you would be forgiven.
4. Using present tense; the earth is actually closer to the sun.

The text type taken from: www.ictteachers.co.uk