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Text Types
Explanation
The purpose of an explanation is to explain the processes involved in natural and social
phenomena, or to tell you how and why something works.
Generic Structure
1. A generalised statement of the phenomenon to be explained.
2. The details of how and why set out in a series of logical steps, in paragraphs, until the explanation is completed.
1. A generalised statement of the phenomenon to be explained.
2. The details of how and why set out in a series of logical steps, in paragraphs, until the explanation is completed.
Written in simple present tense.
Uses collectives that signal time e.g. then, next, several weeks later.
Uses causal connectives e.g. because, so, this causes.
It differs from explanation in that it doesn’t attempt to explain how or why.
2. Facts about the subject set out in paragraphs.
Uses a formal style - written in the third person.
Initial focus on generic participants.
Moves from the general to the specific.
This can include personal events, factual incidents or imaginary incidents.
2. Detail of a sequence of events in the order in which they occurred.
3. Reorientation - a closing statement.
Written in chronological order, using connectives that signal time e.g. after, meanwhile, then,
next.
SBN: 0 19 312401 7
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