Tugas Bahasa Inggris

Difference Of Explanation Text and Other Text

By :
XII Science 3
Aulia Eka Bimesti (05)

Dyah Arum (10)

Florencia A C S (13)

Ino Tri W (16)

SMAN 1 GARUM
2014/2015
EXPLANATION TEXT

An explanation text explains the processes involved in the formation or workings of

natural or non natural / sociocultural phenomena. In addition, An explanation text gives you a
step by step explanation. The explanation sequence contains a sequenced explanation of why or
how something occurs. This explanation is written in paragraphs.

The concept of an explanation text:

a) Purpose: To explain the processes involved in the formation and working of natural or
socio cultural phenomena.

b) Generic structure:
1. A general statement to position the reader (introductory paragraph)
2. A sequenced explanation of why or how something occurs
3. Closing or concluding statement/ paragraph (optional)

c) Language Features:
1. Focus on generic, non-human participants
2. The use of general and abstract nouns
3. The use of action verbs
4. The use of simple present tense
5. The use of passive voice
6. The use of conjunctions of time and cause
7. The use of noun phrases
8. The use of complex sentences
9. The use of technical language
The example of an Explanation :

Tsunami
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.
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 Earths crust that slopes, or rises, from the ocean floor up to the land.
Tsunamis wash ashore with often disastrous effects such as severe flooding, loss of lives due
to drowning, and damage to property.

A) THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EXPLANATION AND DESCRIPTIVE TEXT

The Difference Explanation Descriptive

Purpose To explain the processes To describe and reveal a

involved in the formation and particular person, place, or
working of natural or socio thing.
cultural phenomena

Generic 1.A general statement to 1.Identification

Structure position the reader 2.Description

(introductory paragraph)
2.A sequenced explanation of
why or how something occurs
3. Closing or concluding
statement/ paragraph
 Language 1.Focus on generic, non- 1.Using attributive and

Feature human participants identifying process.

2.The use of general and 2.Using adjective and
abstract nouns classifiers in nominal group.
3.The use of action verbs 3.Using simple present tense
4.The use of simple present
tense
5.The use of passive voice
6.The use of conjunctions of
time and cause
7.The use of noun phrases
8.The use of complex
sentences
9.The use of technical
language

Example of descriptive text :

My Cat Gregory

Gregory is my beautiful gray Persian cat. He walks with pride and grace, performing a dance
of disdain as he slowly lifts and lowers each paw with the delicacy of a ballet dancer. His pride,
however, does not extend to his appearance, for he spends most of his time indoors watching
television and growing fat. He enjoys TV commercials, especially those for Meow Mix and 9
Lives. His familiarity with cat food commercials has led him to reject generic brands of cat food
in favor of only the most expensive brands. Gregory is as finicky about visitors as he is about
what he eats, befriending some and repelling others. He may snuggle up against your ankle,
begging to be petted, or he may imitate a skunk and stain your favorite trousers. Gregory does
not do this to establish his territory, as many cat experts think, but to humiliate me because he is
jealous of my friends. After my guests have fled, I look at the old fleabag snoozing and smiling
to himself in front of the television set, and I have to forgive him for his obnoxious, but
endearing, habits.

B) THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EXPLANATION AND PROCEDURE TEXT

The Difference Explanation Procedure

Purpose To explain the processes To describe how something is
involved in the formation achieved through a sequence of
and working of natural or actions or steps.
socio cultural phenomena

Generic 1. A general statement to 1.Goal/aim ( or title)

Structure position the reader 2.Materials (not required for all

(introductory paragraph) procedural texts)
2. A sequenced 3.Steps (the actions that must
explanation of why or be taken)
how something occurs
3. Closing or concluding
statement/ paragraph
(optional)

Language 1.Focus on generic, non- 1.Text uses simple present

Feature human participants tense, often imperative

2.The use of general and sentences.
abstract nouns 2.It also uses the temporal
3.The use of action verbs conjunction such as first,
4.The use of simple second, then, next, finally, etc.
present tense
5.The use of passive
voice
 6.The use of
conjunctions of time and
cause
7.The use of noun
phrases
8.The use of complex
sentences
9.The use of technical
language

Example Of Procedure Text :

How to make Fried rice?

Materials:
1. A non stick frying pan How to Make Fried Rice4 How to Make Fried Rice
2. White or green onion
3. Sesame oil and other vegetable oil
4. Fresh/frozen vegetables
5. Eggs
6. Ham/shrimp/tofu
7. Medium or long grain white rice
8. Soy sauce
9. Grated ginger root

Steps:
1.Take a nonstick frying pan and put a tbsp of sesame oil in it. Now place this pan over
medium heat. Use an egg or two and scramble it lightly in the oil. After they have
scrambled nicely, remove them from the pan. Now put another tbsp of sesame oil in the
non stick frying pan and add in it: some tbsp of chopped onions and some tbsp of
chopped ham. You can use either green onions or yellow and white onions. Instead of the
ham you can also choose to use shrimp or a combination of shrimp and ham or you can
also use tofu. in-case you are using shrimp; you need to add it just before serving. You
just have to heat the shrimps properly and avoid over cooking it. However if you are
using tofu; you shall have to fry it separately in another pan by using a little oil and some
soy sauce. Fry the tofu till it develops a slight skin and then you can add it to the main
frying pan. Make sure that the onions are fried till they become translucent.

2.How to Make Fried Rice5 How to Make Fried Rice After the onions become a bit
translucent in color, you have to add the vegetables to it and continue stir frying them till
they become cooked through. It is advised that you use vegetables like: cabbage, beans,
corn, peas, snow peas, celery, sprouts and carrots. Avoid using mushy vegetables. It is
advised that you use firm vegetables while making authentic fried rice. Snow peas are a
great addition to the stir fry as they contain lots of protein.

3.Now you shall have to add about 3 cups of cooked rice. Make sure that when you add
the rice, it should be cooled medium. Also important is to keep the rice dry and not moist.
You will have gooey fried rice if you add moist rice to the vegetables. If you are having
leftover rice in the fridge then you can also use that as a substitute. Another option is to
cook rice the night before and then refrigerate it till use.

4.After having added the cooked, dry and cooled long grain white rice to the frying pan,
you have to stir fry all the contents together lightly for some minutes. As the rice is
already cooked, you do not have to overcook it. Just allow the rice to combine with all
the ingredients in the pan nicely.

5.Now take 1 tbsp grated ginger root and add it to the frying pan. Also add to it a tbsp of
soy sauce. This will bring in the taste. Make sure that you add some ground pepper and
then again stir fry all the contents of the pan for a minute. This will ensure that the soy
sauce and the pepper get mixed in the rice evenly. Do not forget to add the scrambled
eggs on top of your authentic fried rice before serving it!

C) THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EXPLANATION AND NARRATIVE TEXT

The Difference Explanation Narrative

Purpose To explain the processes To amuse or entertain the
involved in the formation and readers with actual or
working of natural or socio imaginary experiences in
cultural phenomena. difference ways.

Generic 1. A general statement to 1. Orientation, which sets the

Structure position the reader scene and introduces the

(introductory paragraph)
2. A sequenced explanation
of why or how something
occurs
3. Closing or concluding
statement/ paragraph
(optional)
characters.
2. Complication, in which a
crisis or a problem arises,
which usually involves the
main characters
3. Resolution, a solution to
the problem (for better o for
worse).

Language 1.Focus on generic, non- 1. Past tense

Feature human participants 2. Adverb of time

2.The use of general and
abstract nouns
3.The use of action verbs
4.The use of simple present
tense
3. Time conjunction
4. Specific character.
5. Action verbs.
6. Direct speech.
 5.The use of passive voice
6.The use of conjunctions of
time and cause
7.The use of noun phrases
8.The use of complex
sentences
9.The use of technical
language

Example of narrative text :

The Legend of Karimunjava Island

Once upon a time in Muria Mountain, there lived the family nd Sunan Muria.
Amir Hasan or Called Sunan Nyamplungan is the son of Sunan Muria.
He was very spoiled by his mother, because of that he became a naughty boy.

Then his father, Sunan Muria asked him to study in Kudus. He studied Islamic
religion to his uncle, Sunan Kudus . After sometime, he became an obedient young man,
Sunan Muria was very proud of him.

One day Sunan Muria asked Amir Harbo to go to somewhere to spread Islamic
religion. His father asked him to goto an Island that could be seen from Muria Mountain.
It was on the northwest of Jepara. This island seemed to be fade (Kremun-kremun on
Javanense) and from that time, people called the island as Karimunjava Island.

Amir Hasan followed by his mate to Karimunjava Island. Them sailed to the
island day and might and finally the reached the island. Then they did what his father said.
Amir Hasan and his people lived in the island ever after.
D) THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EXPLANATION AND DISCUSSION TEXT

The Difference Explanation Discussion

Purpose To explain the processes To present different opinions
involved in the formation on a particular issue or topic
and working of natural or arguments for and
socio cultural phenomena against/positive and
negative/good and bad.

Generic 1. A general statement to 1.Statement of issue; stating

Structure position the reader the issue which is to

(introductory paragraph) discussed
2. A sequenced
2.List of supporting points;
explanation of why or how
presenting the point in in
something occurs
supporting the presented issue
3. Closing or concluding
statement/ paragraph
3.List of contrastive point;
(optional)
presenting other points which
disagree to the supporting
point

4.Recommendation; stating
the writer recommendation
of the discourse

Language 1.Focus on generic, non- 1.Introducing category or

Feature human participants generic participant

2.The use of general and
2.Using thinking verb; feel,
abstract nouns
 3.The use of action verbs hope, believe, etc
4.The use of simple
3.Using additive, contrastive,
present tense
and causal connection;
5.The use of passive voice
similarly, on the hand,
6.The use of conjunctions
however, etc
of time and cause
7.The use of noun phrases
4.Using modalities; must,
8.The use of complex
should, could, may, etc
sentences
9.The use of technical 5.Using adverbial of manner;
language deliberately, hopefully, etc

Example of discussion text :

The Advantage and Disadvantage of Nuclear Power

Nuclear power is generated by using uranium which is a metal mined in various

part of the world. The first large scale of nuclear power station was opened at Calder Hall
in Cumbria, England in 1956.

Some military ships and submarines have nuclear power plant for engine. Nuclear
power produces around 11% of the worlds energy needed, and produces huge amounts
of energy. It cause no pollution as we would get when burning fossil fuels. The
advantages of nuclear plant are as follow:

It costs about the same coal, so it is not expansive to make.

It does not produce smoke or carbon dioxide, so it does not contribute to the
greenhouse effect.
It produces huge amounts of energy from small amount of uranium.
It produces small amount of waste.
It is reliable.
 On the other hand, nuclear power is very, very dangerous. It must be sealed up
and buried for many years to allow the radioactivity to die away. Furthermore, although it
is reliable, a lot of money has to be spent on safety because if it does go wrong, a nuclear
accident ca be a major accident.

People are increasingly concerned about this matter. In the 1990s nuclear power
was the fastest growing source of power in many parts of the world.

E) THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EXPLANATION AND REPORT TEXT

The Difference Explanation Report

Purpose To explain the processes To present information about

involved in the formation something, what it is, as a
and working of natural or result of systematic
socio cultural phenomena. observation or analysis.
Generic 1. A general statement to 1. General classification:

Structure position the reader Stating classification of general

(introductory paragraph)
2. A sequenced
explanation of why or how
something occurs
3. Closing or concluding
statement/ paragraph
(optional)
Language 1.Focus on generic, non-
aspect of thing; animal, public
place, plant, etc which will be
discussed in general.
2. Description: Describing the
thing which will be discussed
in detail; part per part ,
customs or deed for living
creature and usage for
materials.
1.Nouns and noun phrases are

Features human participants used rather than personal

2.The use of general and pronouns. The use of personal
abstract nouns pronouns is limited.
 3.The use of action verbs 2.Most reports are written in
4.The use of simple the present tense.
present tense
3.Some reports use technical or
5.The use of passive voice
scientific terms.
6.The use of conjunctions
of time and cause
4.Linking verbs are used, eg.
7.The use of noun phrases
is, are, has, have, belong to, to
8.The use of complex
give coherence.
sentences
9.The use of technical 5.Uses some action verbs
language (climb, eat).

6.Descriptive language is used

that is factual rather than
imaginative eg colour, shape,
size, body parts, habits,
behaviours, functions, uses.

Example of Report Text :

The present Pakistani leadership wishes to improve Indo-Pakistan relations but its
army, which poses as Pakistans defender, would never allow it as their very existence
depends on Pakistans enmity with India.Zardari and Nawaz Sharif are real statesmen, but
the Rommels and Guderians of Pakistans Army (as Pakistani journalist Kamran Shafi
calls them) would never allow them to forge friendship between us. Zardari, who has
suffered a great deal at the hands of the military (prolonged imprisonment), seems a good
person.
 After the Mumbai massacre of 2008, he ordered the ISI chief to visit India to
investigate and punish the culprits of this attack, but he forgot that Pakistans armed
forces dont obey his orders!

Even in the infamous Memogate scandal, the ISI chief high-handedly flew to
London to determine whether his constitutional boss Zardari was guilty of sending the
infamous memo!The CIA planted the sapling of militancy in Pakistans army to defeat
the Soviets but Zia, then an outcast after hanging the ZAB, grabbed the opportunity to
improve his personal stature.As regards Peters comments, we Indians can proudly say
that Kashmiris participate in all elections held there and the voting percentage is higher
there than in Indias other states.

Boycott calls by separatists are routinely dismissed by Kashmiris. What does it

show?If Pakistans ISI stopped meddling in Kashmir, there would be peace on both sides,
but will their army ever allow its own devaluation? Indians have never claimed that they
run a perfect democracy, but we are proud of being a democracy and hope that Pakistanis
also join us with equal pride.

F) THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EXPLANATION AND REVIEW TEXT

The Difference Explanation Review

Purpose To explain the processes To analyze and evaluate some

involved in the formation creative works, and to inform
and working of natural or people about its strengths and
socio cultural phenomena. weaknesses.
Generic 1. A general statement to 1. Orientation

Structure position the reader Background information on

(introductory paragraph) the text
2. A sequenced 2. Interpretative recount
 explanation of why or how Summary of an art work
something occurs (including characters and
3. Closing or concluding plot)
statement/ paragraph 3. Evaluation
(optional) Concluding statement:
judgement, opinion or
recommendation
4. Evaluative summation
The last opinion consisting of
the appraisal or punch line of
the art work being reviewed.

Language 1.Focus on generic, non- 1.The use of complex and

Features human participants compound sentences

2.The use of general and 2.The use of adjectives and
abstract nouns phrases of appraisal
3.The use of action verbs 3.The use of metaphorical
4.The use of simple expressions
present tense 4.The use of noun phrases
5.The use of passive voice
6.The use of conjunctions
of time and cause
7.The use of noun phrases
8.The use of complex
sentences
9.The use of technical
language
Example of Review Text :

Harry Potter: Order of the Phoenix

I absolutely love the Harry Potter series, and all of the books will always hold a
special place in my heart. I have to say that of all the books, however, this one was not
my favorite.When the series began it was as much of a feel good experience as a
huge mug of hot cocoa. The stories were bright, fast-paced, intriguing, and ultimately
satisfying. Order of the Phoenix is a different kind of book. In some instances this
works you feel a whole new level of intensity and excitement by the time you get to
the end. I was truly moved by the last page. Other times the book just has a slightly
dreary, depressing feel. The galloping pace of the other books has slowed to a trot here,
and parts of it do seem long, as if were reading all about Harry just hanging out
instead of having his usual adventures. Reading in detail about Harry cleaning up an
old house, for example housekeeping is still housekeeping, magical or no, and Im
not very interested in doing it or reading about other people doing it.
A few other changes in this book the real world comes much more in to play
rather than the fantasy universe of the previous books, and Harry has apparently been
taken off his meds. I know that he had a lot to be grumpy in this book, especially with
being a teenager and all, but the sudden change in his character seemed too drastic. He
goes from being a warm-hearted, considerate person to someone who will bite his best
friends heads off over nothing. It just seemed like it didnt fit with his character, like
he turned into a walking clich of the angry teen overnight. The real story seemed
to happen in the last 1/3 of the book, and this part I loved. I actually liked the ending
(and yes, I cried!) as sad as it was. It packed a punch and it made me care about the
story even more. Still a really good book, with some editing it would have been great.
G) THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EXPLANATION AND ANECDOTE TEXT

The Difference Explanation Anecdote

Purpose To explain the processes To share with others an

involved in the formation and account of an unnusual or
working of natural or socio amusing incident
cultural phenomena.
Generic 1. A general statement to 1. Abstract

Structure position the reader 2. Orientation

(introductory paragraph) 3. Crisis
2. A sequenced explanation of 4. Incident.
why or how something occurs
3. Closing or concluding
statement/ paragraph (optional)
Language 1.Focus on generic, non- 1. Using exclamation words;

Features human participants it's awful!, it's wonderful!, etc

2.The use of general and
abstract nouns
3.The use of action verbs
4.The use of simple present
tense
5.The use of passive voice
6.The use of conjunctions of
time and cause
7.The use of noun phrases
8.The use of complex
sentences
9.The use of technical
language
2. Using imperative; listen to
this
3. Using rhetoric question; do
you know what?
4. Using action verb; go,
write, etc
5. Using conjunction of time;
then, afterward
6. Using simple past tense
Example of Anecdote text:

Donuts, Root Beer and God

There once was a little boy who wanted to meet God.He knew it was a long trip to
where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with donuts and a six-pack of root beer, and
he started his journey.When he had gone about three blocks, he met an old man. He was
sitting in the park just staring at some pigeons.The boy sat down next to him and opened
his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the old
man looked hungry so he offered him a donut.He gratefully accepted it and smiled at him.
His smile was so incredible that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered him a root
beer. Once again, he smiled at him.The boy was delighted! They sat there all afternoon
eating and smiling, but they never said a word.
As it grew dark, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave, but before he
had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the old man, and gave him
a hug. The old man gave him his biggest smile ever.
When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later; his mother was
surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, "What did you do today that
made you so happy?"
He replied, "I had lunch with God." But before his mother could respond, he
added, "You know what? He's got the most beautiful smile I've ever seen!"
Meanwhile, the old man, also radiant with joy on his face was asked by his son,
"Father, what did you do today that made you so happy?" He replied, "I ate donuts in the
park with God."
But before his son could respond, he added, "You know, he's much younger than I
expected."

Never underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest
compliment, or even the smallest act of caring! All have the potential to turn a life around.
H) THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EXPLANATION AND EXPOSITION TEXT
The Difference Explanation
Purpose To explain the processes
involved in the formation and
working of natural or socio
cultural phenomena.
Generic 1. A general statement to
Structure position the reader
(introductory paragraph)
2. A sequenced explanation of leading to recommendatioN
why or how something occurs
3. Closing or concluding
statement/ paragraph
(optional)
Language 1.Focus on generic, non-
Features human participants
2.The use of general and
abstract nouns
3.The use of action verbs
4.The use of simple present
Exposition
Analytical exposition : to
persuade by presenting
augments and to analyze or
explain.
Hortatory exposition : to
persuade reader or listener that
something should or should not
be the case.
1. Thesis : stating an issue of
concern.
2. Argument (1) : reason
3. Argument (2)
4. Reiretation (analytical) :
Conclusion (must, should, be,
recommend)
5.Recommendation
(hortatory) : stating what
ought/ought not to happen.
Analytical exposition :
1.Using relational process
2.Using internal conjunction
3.Using causal conjunction
4.Using Simple Present Tense
 tense
5.The use of passive voice
6.The use of conjunctions of
time and cause
7.The use of noun phrases
8.The use of complex
sentences
9.The use of technical
language
Hortatory exposition :
1.Focusing on the writer
2.Using abstract noun; policy,
advantage, etc
3.Using action verb
4.Using thinking verb
5.Using modal adverb;
certainly, surely, etc
6.Using temporal connective;
firstly, secondly, etc
7.Using evaluative words;
important, valuable
8.Using passive voice
9.Using simple present tense

Example of Analytical Exposition :

Corruption and Indonesian Culture

Corruption has happened for many years and today it becomes a bad culture in
Indonesia for three reasons.
Most adult Indonesian or foreigners have known and admitted that corruptions
happen in many places. The daily newspapers, news programs on TV and radio have
reported corruptions are done everywhere, almost in all departments or public services of
this country. Corruptions happen in health, education departments and banks. When we
manage to get some documents in public service offices, we usually need much money to
pay. Manipulations happen everywhere.
The actions to eliminate corruption are weak. The ever stronger culture seems not
to come to an end when the responsible institutions who have to reinforce the justice
today commit corruption. This is the worst. Corruptions happen in police department,
courts where judges, public prosecutors, lawyers make deals to do corruption. All of us
also heard in the end of 2004, Probosutejo reported that he had bribed the Supreme Court,
or called Mahkamah Agung which becomes the highest level where the justice can be
obtained. Perhaps you have to try to come to the local courts and see what happen there.
You will see practices of bribery and other kinds of corruption. Therefore, we can say
that corruptions becomes our culture. Do you like it?
The citizens have no goodwill to fight against the corruption. They create the
situations in which people ahave opportunities to do corruptions. The citizens like to
break the rules because they are not disciplined. For example, in the street when they
drive a car or ride motorcycle, they do not have the driving license or necessary
documents. Then, they are caught by the local policemen. To avoid more difficulties,
they like to bribe the officer. The officer let them go then. In other words, the citizens and
officers are the same, doing corruption together. If only the people were critical,
disciplined, and obey the rules, and willing to report any wrong behaviors, this country
will not be number one corrupting country in the world.
Conclusion Based on the reasons, we can conclude that corruption is becoming a
bad culture in Indonesia if it is not ended soon by all of us. It seems that there must be
more severe penalty for the Corruptors. Do we still care about the future of this country?

Example of hortatory exposition:

Corruption / Korupsi

Do you know what the meaning of corruption is? What is the relation between
money and corruption? Well, corruption is common everywhere in the world, even in the
United States. Its just a matter of intensity. However, it is quite shocking when one
reliable survey claims Jakarta as the most corrupt place in Indonesia.
The survey has made me sad, actually, because I stay and earn a living here in the
capital. As most people know, Tanjung Priok port smuggling is not a new thing at all.
Entrepreneurs who want to minimize their tax payments tend to do such a thing more
often. They even bribe the officials.
Well, I think the measures taken so far to overcome the problem by punishing the
corruptors is still not far enough. We have to prevent the younger generations from
getting a bad mentality caused by corruption.
I believe we should start at the earliest stages in school and I think everyone
should be involved in the effort to eradicate corruption. We must not make any
distinction.
Analisa Text :

Teks Explanation adalah genre teks yang mencoba menjelaskan bagaimana hal terjadi
atau mengapa hal tersebut dilakukan. Explanation Text sebenarnya mirip dengan Teks Procedure,
bagaimanapun, Teks Explanation cenderung untuk menjelaskan. Sementara Teks Prosedur ini
dimaksudkan untuk menginstruksikan bagaimana membentuk atau membuat sesuatu.