Explanation Texts

What do we need to be able to do to make our podcasts effective?

How Stuff Works


Generic text structure


The structure of an explanation text is often (but not always):

• a general statement to introduce the topic, for example, in the autumn some birds migrate

• a series of logical steps explaining how or why something occurs, for example because hours of daylight shorten…

• steps continue until the final state is produced or the explanation is complete


Language features
The language features of an explanation text are often (but not always):

• written in simple present tense, for example, many birds fly south

• use connectives that signal time, for example, then, next, several months later

• use causal connectives, for example because, so, this causes


Knowledge for the writer

• decide whether diagrams, charts, illustrations or a flow chart would help to explain

• use a title that shows what you are writing about

• using how or why in the title helps. Try to make the title intrigue the reader, for example, Why do sloths hang about?

• use the first paragraph to introduce your subject to the reader

• organise the writing and illustrations to explain: what you need, how it works, why it works (cause and effect), when and where it works, and what it is used for

• add in extra, interesting information

• try to end by relating the subject to the reader

• if you use specialised terminology, a glossary may be needed

• interest the reader with exclamation, for example Beware – whirlwinds can kill! Or use questions: Did you know that...?

• draw the reader in, for example strange as it may seem...; not many people know that...,etc

• re-read your explanation, pretending to know nothing about the subject – is it clear?

• recognise that explanation texts can be adapted or combined with other text types depending on the audience and purpose