Kinds of Texts - An Explanation Text

An explanation text is aimed to explain the processes it takes to form a natural, social, cultural or scientific phenomenon. It talks about how and why a phenomenon occurs. 

The generic structure of an explanation text:

1.      General/introductory statement: it introduces the phenomenon to be discussed to the readers.

2.      Sequence of explanation: It tells how and why the phenomenon happens.

3.      Closing: It includes the ending process of the phenomenon being explained.

The language features of an explanation text:

1.      Using simple present tense

2.      Using passive voice

3.      Using conjunctions: time and cause

4.      Using action verbs

Examples of an explanation text:

Tsunami

A general Statement:

A tsunami is a very large sea wave that is generated by a disturbance along the ocean floor. This disturbance can be an earthquake, a landslide, or a volcanic eruption. A tsunami is undetectable far out in the ocean, but once it reaches shallow water, this fast-traveling wave grows very large.

Explanation/Sequence of Processes:

Tsunamis occur when a major fault under the ocean floor suddenly slips. The displaced rock pushes water above it like a giant paddle, producing powerful water waves at the ocean surface. The ocean waves spread out from the vicinity of the earthquake source and move across the ocean until they reach the coastline, where their height increases as they reach the continental shelf, the part of the Earth’s crust that slopes, or rises, from the ocean floor up to the land.

Closing:

Tsunamis wash ashore with often disastrous effects such as severe flooding, loss of lives due to drowning, and damage to property.

How Earthquakes Happen

Earthquake is one of the most destroying natural disasters. Unluckily it often happens in several regions. Recently a horrible earthquake has shaken West Sumatra. It has brought great damages. Why did it occur? Do you know how an earthquake happens?

Earthquakes are usually caused when rock underground suddenly breaks along a fault. This sudden release of energy causes the seismic waves. It makes the ground shake. When two blocks of rock or two plates are rubbing against each other, they stick a little. They don’t just slide smoothly. The rocks are still pushing against each other, but not moving. After a while, the rocks break because of all the pressure that’s built up. When the rocks break, the earthquake occurs.

During the earthquake and afterward, the plates or blocks of rock start moving, and they continue to move until they get stuck again. The spot underground where the rock breaks is called the focus of the earthquake. The place right above the focus is called the epicenter of the earthquake.