EXPLAININGA. Definition of Explaining

Explanation text is a text that tells how or why something occurs. It looks at

the steps rather than the things. The purpose of an explanation is to tell each step of

the process (the how) and to give reasons (the why). Explanation is a text which tells

processes relating to forming of natural, social, scientific, and cultural phenomena.

The explanation text type is often used to tell how and why thing (phenomena) occur

in nature. Some examples of explanations are: How something occurs, why something

happened, why things are a like or different, how to solve a problem, etc.

B. Generic Structure

An explanation consists of the steps for constructing a written explanation are:

         A general statements about the event or thing:

Stating the phenomenon issues which are to be explained

         Sequenced explanation:

Stating the series of steps which explain the phenomena.

C. Language Features

         Featuring generic participant:

Explanation are often about particular processes involving classes of things,

which means that the nouns are general rather than specific. For example, sun,

rain, cities, etc.

         Using chronological connection

Explanations generally require connectives words that join the verbs together so

that they logically indicate sequences that are temporal. For example, first,

second, third, then, when, after this, etc.

Using passive voice pattern

Using simple present tense

Explanations that deal with specific things such as particular events or concepts,

on the other hand, can be in the present, past or future tense.

D. Example of Explanation Text

Example 1

How does butterfly metamorphosis?

General Statement

This is very beautiful good creature, butterfly undergo complete

metamorphosis. They go through four different life stages. Do you know about

butterflies metamorposis?

Sequences Explanation

The first stage is the egg, the eggs hatch into wormlike creatures known as

larvae, the common name is caterpillar. Caterpillars are busy and hungry. They may

eat once or twice their own weight in leaves each day. In the third stage the

caterpillar goes into a resting state and is called a pupa. This stage may last two

week; it may last a whole winter. During this period the caterpillar changes into a full-

ground butterfly then, a beautiful, flying adult emerges. This adult will continue the

cycle.

Analysis of example 1:

         Featuring generic participant:

Butterfly

         Using chronological connection

The first, the third, then

Using passive voice pattern

In the third stage the caterpillar goes into a resting state and is called a pupa.

Using simple present tense

This is very beautiful good creature

They go through four different life stages.

Do you know about butterflies metamorposis?

Example 2

How does Rain Happen?

General Statement

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.

Sequences Explanation

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.

Analysis of example 2

Featuring generic participant:

Rain

Using chronological connection

However

Using passive voice pattern

This is called virga, a phenomenon which is often seen in hot, dry desert regions.

Using simple present tense

Rain is the primary source of fresh water for most areas of the world,

The phenomenon of rain is actually a water circle.

Example 3

Why Eiffel Tower was Built?

General Statement

If we talk about the Wonders of the World buildings, then we will see Eiffel

Tower as one of them. However many of us do not know the tower’s past history on

why it was build. Everything has the reasonable background, especially for the tower

which is to be one of the most recognized buildings in the world.

Sequences Explanation

Primarily, the Eiffel Tower was built for the World Exhibition. It was called

Paris Exposition in 1889. The exhibition was organized to celebrate the 100th

anniversary of the French Revolution. The purpose of building Eiffel Tower in such

structure was to show to the world France’s advancement of technology and beauty.

The Eiffel Tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel. It seemed that then the

name of the tower was derived from the designer’s last name, “Eiffel”. Another

reason on why the tower was built was for scientific progress. Although few realized

it, the Eiffel Tower would become the prominent structure in terms of science and

technology. Many experiment with temperature, pressure and pendulums were

performed atop the unique famous building. Additionally the Eiffel Tower was used

for radio transmission tower. Many experiments were conducted atop the Eiffel

Tower for radio transmission advancement. Once the Eiffel Tower was proposed to be

demolished but it was spared because the tower had the promising future as a radio

tower.

Analysis of example 3

Featuring generic participant:

Eiffel

Using chronological connection

However, then, and

Using passive voice pattern

Many experiments were conducted atop the Eiffel Tower for radio transmission

advancement.

The Eiffel Tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel.

The exhibition was organized to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French

Revolution.

Using simple present tense

However many of us do not know

E. The Difference Between Explanation and Procedure Text

Seeing the social function, both procedure and explanation texts have the

similarity in which both of them describe how to make or do something. They give

the detail descriptions on something, phenomena, goods, product, case or problem.

To see the differences between explanation and procedure, we have to analyze the

dominant language features and how the texts are used.

Procedure is commonly called as an instruction text. It uses a pattern of

command in building the structure. It uses the “to infinitive verb” which is omitted

the “to” as well. It is mainly used to describe how to make something which is close

to our daily activity. How to make a cup of tea, how to make a good kite, etc. are the

best example of a procedure text. 

On the other hand; explanation commonly uses the passive voice in building

the text. It is used such as in  a scientific written material. It describes how certain

phenomenon or event happens. How a tornado formed, how tsunami works are the

best examples of explanation texts. 

In conclusion, what makes superficially different is the way how they are

structured. In one side, explanation text is formed in the mode of description. It

focuses on the thing which is explained. In the other side, Procedure text is

constructed in the mode of instruction and command. That is why Procedure is

sometimes called instruction text. It focuses on the second person to explain how to

form something.