EXPLANATION TEXT

Definition of Explanation Text

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.

Generic Structure of Explanation Text

# General statement; stating the phenomenon issues which are to be explained.
# Sequenced explanation; stating a series of steps which explain the phenomena.

The Characteristics / Language Feature of Explanation Text:

– Featuring generic participant; sun, rain, etc
– Using chronological connection; to begin with, next, etc
– Using passive voice pattern
– Using simple present tense

Example

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.

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.
QUESTION
Teks Explanation 1
Recycling is a collection, processing, and reuse of materials that would otherwise be thrown away.
Materials ranging from precious metals to broken glass, from old newspapers to plastic spoons, can be
recycled. The recycling process reclaims the original material and uses it in new products.
In general, using recycled materials to make new products costs less and requires less energy than using
new materials. Recycling can also reduce pollution, either by reducing the demand for high-pollution
alternatives or by minimizing the amount of pollution produced during the manufacturing process.
Paper products that can be recycled include cardboard containers, wrapping paper, and office paper.
The most commonly recycled paper product is newsprint. In newspaper recycling, old newspapers are
collected and searched for contaminants such as plastic bags and aluminum foil. The paper goes to a
processing plant where it is mixed with hot water and turned into pulp in a machine that works much
like a big kitchen blender. The pulp is screened and filtered to remove smaller contaminants. The pulp
then goes to a large vat where the ink separates from the paper fibers and fl oats to the surface. The ink
is skimmed off, dried and reused as ink or burned as boiler fuel. The cleaned pulp is mixed with new
wood fibers to be made into paper again.
Experts estimate the average office worker generates about 5 kg of wastepaper per month. Every ton of
paper that is recycled saves about 1.4 cu m (about 50 cu ft) of landfill space. One ton of recycled paper
saves 17 pulpwood trees (trees used to produce paper).

1. The following things can be recycled, EXCEPT….

A. Precious metals
B. Broken glass
C. Old newspapers
D. Plastic spoons
E. Fresh vegetables and fruits

2. Which of the following is NOT the benefit of recycling?

A. It costs much money for the process of recycling
B. It costs less to make new products
C. It requires less energy
D. It can reduce pollution
E. It reduces the demand for high-pollution alternatives

3. What is the third step of recycling paper products?

A. Collect and search for contaminants such as plastic bags and aluminium foil
B. Mix the paper with hot water in a blender which turns it into pulp
C. Screen and filter the pulp to remove smaller contaminants
D. Put the pulp to a large vat to separate the ink from the paper fibres
E. Mix the pulp with new wood fibres to be made into paper again
4. We can make use of the ink after being separated from the paper fibres by doing the
followings, EXCEPT….
A. Skim it off
B. Dry it
C. Reuse as ink
D. Burn as boiler fuel
E. Mix it with the pulp

Teks Explanation 2
Human body is made up of countless millions of cells. Food is needed to built up new cells and
replace the worn out cells. However, the food that we take must be changed into substances that
can be carried in the blood to the places where they are needed. This process is called digestion.
The first digestive process takes place in the mouth. The food we eat is broken up into small
pieces by the action of teeth, mixed with saliva, a juice secreted by glands in the mouth. Saliva
contains digestive juice which moisten the food, so it can be swallowed easily.
From the mouth, food passes through the esophagus (the food passage) into the stomach. Here,
the food is mixed with the juices secreted by the cells in the stomach for several hours. Then the
food enters the small intestine. All the time the muscular walls of the intestine are squeezing,
mixing and moving the food onwards.
In a few hours, the food changes into acids. These are soon absorbed by the villi (microscopic
branch projections from the intestine walls) and passed into the bloodstream.

5. What is the text about?

A. The digestive system
B. The digestive juice
C. The method of the digestive system
D. The process of intestine work
E. The food substances

6. How can we swallow the food easily?

A. The food changes into acids absorbed by the villi.
B. The food must be digested first through the process.
C. The food is directly swallowed through esophagus into the stomach.
D. The food is mixed with the juices secreted by the cells in the stomach.
E. The food we take must be changed into substances carried in the blood to the places.

7. From the text above, we imply that ….

A. a good process of digestive system will help our body becoming healthier.
B. no one concerned with the process of digestive system for their health.
C. the digestive system is needed if we are eating the food instantly.
D. every body must conduct the processes of digestive system well.
E. the better we digest the food we eat, the healthier we will be.
8. “Human body is made up of countless millions of cells.” (Paragraph 1) The phrase “made up”
means ….
A. produced
B. managed
C. arranged
D. completed
E. constructed

Teks Explanation 3
Have you ever wondered how people get chocolate from? In this article we’ll enter the amazing
world of chocolate so you can understand exactly what you’re eating.
Chocolate starts with a tree called the cacao tree. This tree grows in equatorial regions, especially
in places such as South America, Africa, and Indonesia. The cacao tree produces a fruit about the
size of a small pine apple. Inside the fruit are the tree’s seeds, also known as cocoa beans.
The beans are fermented for about a week, dried in the sun and then shipped to the chocolate
maker. The chocolate maker starts by roasting the beans to bring out the flavour. Different beans
from different places have different qualities and flavor, so they are often sorted and blended to
produce a distinctive mix. Next, the roasted beans are winnowed. Winnowing removes the meat
nib of the cacao bean from its shell. Then, the nibs are blended. The blended nibs are ground to
make it a liquid. The liquid is called chocolate liquor. It tastes bitter. All seeds contain some
amount of fat, and cacao beans are not different. However, cacao beans are half fat, which is why
the ground nibs form liquid. It’s pure bitter chocolate.

9. The text is about …

A. the cacao tree
B. the cacao beans
C. the raw chocolate
D. the making of chocolate
E. the flavour of chocolate

10. The third paragraph focuses on …

A. the process of producing chocolate

B. how to produce the cocoa flavour

C. where chocolate comes from

D. the chocolate liquor

E. the cacao fruit

 CAUSE AND EFFECT

Definition

Cause and effect text is a type of paragraph that contains the analysis of the author's cause and
effect. This paragraph begins with the causes described at the beginning of the sentence and then
drawn into one general conclusion which is a result of the causes described above.

This paragraph cause and effect model is often used in essay writing and text explanation. This is
because this model is considered to have a clear and structured flow of ideas, so that readers
easily understand when reading it.

Generic Structure

The cause and effect paragraph has the following generic structure:

Have a main idea on the topic of the sentence which will be discussed in the whole paragraph.

Has supporting details or supporting sentences in the form of causes.

Ended with concluding sentences or conclusions in the form of consequences.

Language Form

The cause and effect paragraph has the language style as below.

Using tenses that are related to the context of time in a sentence, in other words, can be in the
form of past tense, present tense, or future tense.

Many use verbs or verbs in active and passive sentences.

Using transitions like, due, because, consequently, as a result, and causes.

Using third person points of view.

Example 1

I was lost so I opened Google Maps (Saya tersesat sehingga saya membuka Google Maps)
Cause : I was lost

Effect : I opened Google Maps

Conjunction : so

Example 2

The journey was quite quick because the road was clear. (perjalanan cukup cepat karena jalanan
bersih dari hambatan )

Cause : the road was clear.

Effect : the journey was quite quick

Conjunction : because

Example Paragraph

Paragraph Cause and Effect 1

Drought which is happened this year is very long. Event, there is almost no rain in the last two
months. Moreover, with a very hot weather it is a flying away. In addition, the water that is
stored in the irrigation can't be found anymore, so that there is a flowing the farmers ’rice. As a
result, they experience failure in harvesting because they are planted or not caused by this
drought.

Paragraph Cause and Effect 2

Alcoholic drinking is very dangerous for our health. There are lots of problems caused by
dangerous fluid. First, it can cause a swell in our liver. This is because it can trigger extra hard
filter, the fluid becomes swollen because it contains so much fluid. Secondly, alcoholic drinking
damages the human brain. It will decrease the function of alcohol addicting's brain, thus
increasing the risk of depression and frustration. If this happens, there will be a change in
behavior on the alcoholic, even they can be mad. Then, alcohol also decreases the functions of
our senses. One is our eye is absolutely can be blind because of alcohol. In addition, this drink
can also speed up menopause in women because it decreases the functioning of reproductive
organs in women, so that they will get menopause sooner than the period in general. Last, it is
also able to cause defects in the fetus. Alcohol, which is the body of pregnant women also has an
impact on their baby, so that they will be born with disabilities. Therefore, the circulation of
alcoholic drinking is prohibited in Indonesia.

QUESTION

1. I love living in Australia ______________ the weather.

a. because

b. since

c. as

d. because of

2. The increase in the number of cars on the road has resulted ________ more and more traffic
jams.

a. in

b. to

c. at

d. for

3. “He got to work really, really late ‘cos he missed his train”. Which cause and effect word is
‘cos short for?

a. due to

b. because

c. as

d. since
4. Keith lost his job due ________ cutbacks in the department.

a. for

b. at

c. to

d. by

5. The increase in tropical storms in recent year has been __________ global warming.

a. put up with

b. put down to

c. set down to

d. put to

6. Which one is NOT correct? “He didn’t turn up for the exam. __________, he failed the
course.”

a. As a result

b. Consequently

c. As a consequence

d. As a reason

7.Rangga came late to school....He got up at 7 O'clock this Morning

a. Getting better

b. Came in

c. Where are you?

d. Wherefore

8. They can win the race....They always do their own exercise everyday

a. As

b. Ask
c. Axe

d. Act

9. He ate an egg last night...He was hungry

a. He was full

b. Are

c. For

d. Pour

10.Elsa was ill yesterday....She didn't eat anything

a. Above

b. Because

c. Be patient

d. Begin
 PERSONAL LETTER

Definition of Personal Letter

Personal Letter is a type of letter (or informal composition) that usually concerns personal
matters (rather than professional concerns) and is sent from one individual to another.

If we talk about the definition of personal letter or definition of personal letter, we can say
simply that a personal letter is a letter sent by someone individually to another person or a certain
institution. The point is that this letter is sent by an individual and is not a letter from an agency,
organization or company.

The purpose of sending the letter is for matters of a personal nature or personal problems the
sender of the letter.

Then what things can be sent through this type of personal letter? Some things that can be the
contents of the personal letter include:

1) Apology

2) Congratulations

3) Invitations

To be more clear, consider someone's opinion below about 'Types of Personal letters "

Types of Personal Letters

"When is your message is very personal or you want to create a personal handwritten letter. The
best choice is a personal handwritten letter.

"The following are types of personal letters may wish to write:

- Happy news letters sent for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, life achievements, and all
sorts of occasions.
- Correspondence that keeps you in touch with friends and relatives.

- Letters of introduction, initiating a relationship, or observing the etiquette of introduction. . .

- Personal letters of appreciation following a death in the family or in response to acts of

kindness. . ... "

Rules for Writing Personal Letters

The above has been explained that "personal letter" does not have to use standard writing rules
but uses writing as desired. However, there are still some things that we can adjust as references
in making good personal letters. You don't have to follow the writing procedure, but at least the
parts of the personal letter can be used as a reference in good letter writing.

It is clear that there is no standard rule in making personal letters in English, but it is better to use
a better layout or form of writing. Some things that need to be considered in writing the letter, for
example, address, greeting and also closing. To be clearer, let's discuss one by one the private
letter sections!

Address writing

Even though it is a private letter, do not forget to write down our full address. This address is the
purpose of giving an opportunity to the recipient of the letter to be able to reply to the letter we
sent. If we don't write our address how can someone reply to our letter, right? How to write the
address can be appropriate in the layout above, namely at the top right of the letter.

Also don't forget to also write the recipient's address, clear and complete, Personal Letter,
Definition and Example. The recipient's address can be written in the top left by writing the
name of the recipient of the letter.

Date writing

Although this is a private letter, we still should include the date of the letter for information
about when the letter was made. Writing important dates as a reference for both the sender and
recipient of the letter. The form of writing the date can be seen as an example of "1st January
2016"
Writing opening greetings

Opening greeting or (Salutation & Greeting) should also be written well and correctly. Examples
of writing personal greetings are "Dear Mr. Jones,". Some of the abbreviations used in the
opening greetings are:

Mr - for men

Mrs. - for married women

Miss - for unmarried women

Ms - for women whose status is unknown

Dr - for people who are doctors

In a personal letter, usually the opening greeting will be adjusted to the closeness of the
relationship between the sender of the letter and the recipient of the letter, for example, in our
language words that are often intimate and romantic are used.

The final part of the personal letter will conclude with the use of the words "Yours sincerely,".
For the closing sentence we can also use other sentences such as "All the best", "Best regards,"
and so on. After the closing, we will follow the name and signature as the sender of the letter.

Contoh Personal Letter

1.

Jakarta, 1st December 2015

To my best friend, Anton

Hello my friend, how are you doing, there? I hope you are in good condition. I am sending this
letter to give you some good news.

It’s been one year we separated, since you moved to Sukabumi. I miss you so much. I’m really
looking forward to meeting with you soon. After waiting for so long, I finally granted permission
to visit you in Sukabumi. Maybe next month I will go to your home. When I got there, you have
to take me around to the best tourism spot. I really wanted to visit all the beach. See you there
buddy.

Your friend,
Caroline

2.

Manado, February 6th’ 2013

Dear Romisa,

Hello! How are you? I hope you are fine like me. Next week, after final test, I’m planning to go
your city but I don’t know where your home is. So, I will you take me at Samratulangi airport 2
a.m we will meet a front of area park. I’m going to wear blue triangle scarf, blue shirt, and black
jeans. If you are difficul to find me you can call me, maybe? This is my number 08512345677. I
want to you bring me go to Bunaken beach and to try traditional foods like a milu siram, ilabulo,
etc. You don’t have to reply my letter, because you can call me or sms. Okay? I’am really
impatient to go there. See you there!

With Love,

Aurel

QUESTION

Personal Letter 1
Apt BLK 30, Eunos St. #05 – 116
Singapore 1441
2nd April 2009

Dear Liza,
I have received you letter asking me to meet you at your house this Sunday to discuss the
urgent matter you have. I regret however to say that it will not be possible for me to see you on
Sunday as I already have a previous appointment . I shall see you on Monday next week at 5
p.m . Hoping the change of date will be convenient to you .

Your sincerely
Daisy
1. What does the letter tell about ….

A. Liza’s problem

B. Liza’s appointment

C. Daisy’s previous letter to Liza

D. Daisy’s regret for not being able to come

E. A meeting held at Liza’s house

2. Why did Liza ask Daisy to come to her house….

A. Liza wanted Daisy to solve her problem

B. Daisy would discuss her problem with Liza

C. Liza persuaded Daisy to go somewhere

D. Daisy wanted to meet Liza’s family

E. Liza wanted to chat with Daisy

Personal Letter 2
Jl. Jambu 129 Bima
30th January 2017

Dear Frodi,
It was a real sorrow that I heard this morning of your great loss. I knew your mother was ill,
for your brother told me several weeks ago. However, as he at that time did not seem to think
the illness was very serious, the news of your mother’s death came to me as a shock. You have
my sincere and heartfelt sympathy, my dear fellow, in your sorrow. I know you will feel it
deeply, for you always thought so much of your mother and loved her so truly. I feel it also as
a personal loss to myself, for your mother was always very kind to me. Her death must be a
terrible grief to your father, too. Please assure him of my sincere sympathy.
Words, I know, are poor comforters. “The heart knows its own sorrow”, and in such sorrows
we are always alone. However, it is not mere words when I say that I feel with you in your
sorrow.

Your sincere friend,

Jean

3. What is the possible relation between the sender and the recipient?

A. relatives
B. employers

C. friends

D. siblings

E. employees

4. From the letter we know that ….

A. Frodi’s mother was not ill before her death

B. Jean sent letter to Frodi several weeks ago

C. Jean was very sorrowful to send the letter to his mother

D. Jean had known Frodi’s mother before

E. Frodi is the only child in his family

5. “You have my sincere and heartfelt sympathy, my dear fellow, in your sorrow.” What is the
closest meaning of word “sincere”?

A. real

B. caring

C. generous

D. honest

E. curious

Personal Letter 3
Dear Jonny,

Hello! How are you? I received your letter today. I am very excited to hear that you are
coming to stay with me for the holidays. I am sure we will have a lot of fun together.
My parents have agreed to let you stay with me. They offered to pick you up at the airport. All
you have to do is to tell us when you are coming.
I will now tell you about some of the things you will experience here in Indonesia. You do not
have to worry about the local spicy food. We have a lot of fast food restaurants here like the
ones you have in England.
You can also shop for souvenirs to bring home. Sarinah or Blok M are our famous shopping
areas. They have many shops selling all kinds of things. I am sure you will love them.
I am also planning to take you to a few tourist spots like miniature of Indonesia, National
monument, or Safari Garden. We can also go to the Ancol beach where you can swim, play on
the beach, and have picnics.
My family and I are looking forward to your coming. I hope to hear from you soon. Good bye.

With love.
Nadim

6. What is the letter about?

A. Planning to stay and do some activities in Indonesia during holiday.

B. Buying in the fast food restaurant and shopping at Sarinah.

C. Going to buy souvenirs and going to tourist spots.

D. Planning to stay in Indonesia for the holidays.

E. Picking up at the airport when he comes.

7. What will probably Jonny buy for his lunch while he is in Indonesia?

A. Mixed vegetables with peanut chilly sauce.

B. Spicy food with chilly sauce.

C. Soup with hot black pepper.

D. Satay with hot pepper.

E. Non spicy food.

Personal Letter 4
Jl. Plamboyan No. 89 Pemalang
2nd Pebruary 2009

Dear Intan
Intan, sorry I haven’t written to you for so long. We moved into a new apartment last month
and we’ve been really busy getting settled.
It’s a nice apartment. It is bigger than our old one. It’s big so there are a lot of rooms to work
in. It has a big living room, two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Another thing I like is the
kitchen.
The apartment is on a quiet street in a good neighborhood. There’s also a shopping centre just
down the street with a supermarket, some quite good restaurants and some stores.
We really enjoy living here. Do come over and have a look next time you are in the town. I’ll
wait.

Love
Shinta

8. What is the letter about?

a. Shinta’s room.

b. Intan and Shinta’s apartment

c. Shinta’s business

d shopping centre near Shinta’s apartment

e. Shinta’s new apartment

9. Why hasn’t Shinta written a letter to Intan for so long?

a. Because she was busy getting settled

b. Because she enjoyed living in an apartment

c. Because she was reluctant

d. Because she had to move into an apartment

e. Because she lived in an apartment

Personal Letter 5
Surabaya, 1st February 2014

Dear Igon

How are you? Hope everything is okay with you. I’m all right here. We are going to have
the national examination, aren’t we? Are youwell prepared for it? Well, to be honest, I just
have some difficulties in preparing for it, especially in science. There are extra lessons in
my school and I take them all. But, I feel that they don’t help. I’m still confused in solving
mathematic problems. I’m just worried that I fail the national examination. Do you have
any suggestion for me? I really appreciate your help.I look forward to hearing from you.

You buddy
10. What does the letter tell us about?

a. Asking for a friend to teach mathematic

b. Giving a solution to a friend

c. Preparing for the national examination

d. Having extra lesson at school

e. Asking for a friend’s suggestion to solve a problem