Definition of Explanation

Explanation is a text which tells processes

relating to forming of natural, social, scientific
and cultural phenomena. Explanation text is
to say 'why' and 'how' of the forming of the
phenomena. It is often found in science,
geography and history text books.
 Social Function

To explain the processes involved in the

formation or working of natural or
sociocultural phenomena.
 Generic structure of Explanation
1. General statement; stating the phenomenon
issues which are to be explained and to
position the reader.
2. Sequenced explanation; stating a series of
steps which explain the phenomena.
3. Closing ;
 Language Features
1. Using Simple Present Tense
E.g : The earth is actually closer to the sun.
2. Using action verbs
E.g :
3. Using passive voice
E.g : You would be forgiven by me
4. Using noun phrase
E.g :
5. Using adverbial phrase
E.g :
6. Using technical terms
E.g :
7. Using general and abstract noun
E.g : sun, rain
8. Using conjunction of time and cause-effect.
E.g : because, so, this causes (cause-effect conjunction)
then, next, later ( conjunction of time )
 Significant Lexicogrammatical
Features

 Focus on generic, non-human Participants

 Use mainly of Material Processes and
Relational Processes
 Use mainly of Temporal and causal
Circumstances and Conjunctions
Example of Explanation Text

Tsunami

The term of “tsunami” comes from the

Japanese which means harbour ("tsu") and
wave ("nami"). A tsunami is a series of waves
generated when water in a lake or the sea is
rapidly displaced on a massive scale.
A tsunami can be generated when the sea floor
abruptly deforms and vertically displaces the
overlying water. Such large vertical movements of
the earth's crust can occur at plate boundaries.

Subduction of earthquakes are particularly

effective in generating tsunamis, and occur where
denser oceanic plates slip under continental
plates.
As the displaced water mass moves under the
influence of gravity to regain its equilibrium, it
radiates across the ocean like ripples on a
pond.

Tsunami always bring great damage. Most of

the damage is caused by the huge mass of
water behind the initial wave front, as the
height of the sea keeps rising fast and floods
powerfully into the coastal area.
 Generic Structure Text of Tsunami
1. General It is a statement which says about tsunami and how it is
Statement happen. ( Paragraph 1)

A tsunami can be generated when the sea floor abruptly

deforms and vertically displaces the overlying water. Such
large vertical movements of the earth's crust can occur at
plate boundaries.
2. Sequenced
Explanation Subduction of earthquakes are particularly effective in
generating tsunami, and occur where denser oceanic
plates slip under continental plates.
As the displaced water mass moves under the influence of
gravity to regain its equilibrium, it radiates across the
ocean like ripples on a pond.

3. Closing Tsunami always bring great damage. Most of the damage

is caused by the huge mass of water behind the initial
wave front, as the height of the sea keeps rising fast and
floods powerfully into the coastal area.