EXPLANATION TEXT

Definition
Explanations answer the questions on ‘how’ something works or ‘why’
something happens. Its introduction contains a general statement that introduces or
identifies the scientific or technical phenomenon. The body of an explanation text
consist of a series sequenced statements about the process explained. An optional
concluding statement can tie up the explanation. Labeled diagrams and flowchart
can be used to clarify information or to add additional information not include in
the explanation.

Social Function
Explain how and why something works or happen.
Text Structure
 Title
 General statement introducing or identifying the phenomenon
 Series of sequenced statements
 Concluding statement
Language Features
 Vocabulary : general nouns, technical language, noun groups.
 Grammar : action verbs, ‘timeless’, present tense, passives,
adverbial phrases, causal, & temporal connectives.
C1. Give instruction to the students to read and understand the text
In this part student will be learning for better understanding of the characteristic of
explanation text
C2. Students can explain the general pictures of explanation text.
In this part students will be involved in the text previewing practice to quickly get
the general picture of explanation text
C3. After read the text students can understand the stage of explanation
text
C4. The students get generic structure
C5. The student

EXAMPLE EXPLANATION TEXT

 Recycling Glass Bottles
general
stateme New glass bottles are made mainly of silica sand. The sand is melted in a
nt furnace, at a very high temperature. Recycled glass bottles are made in a very
similar way, but cost less and use up fewer natural resources.
The process begins when people take their used bottles and jars to a bottle
bank. Next, the bottles and jars are taken by lorry to the recycling plant. At the
plant, bottle tops and lids are removed. After that, the glass is crushed into small
series of pieces.
sequenc
ed The crushed glass is then sent by lorry to a bottle factory. Here, it is mixed
stateme
nt with a small amount of silica sand. It is then melted in a furnace, at a lower
temperature than new glass.
Finally, the hot liquid glass is drawn out of the furnace and fed into
machinery that makes it into glass bottles.
Conclud
Recycled glass is as pure and as strong as new glass. New glasses are sent to
ing the market.
Stateme
nt Glass can be recycled many times without losing its quality.
 1. What is the text about? (C1)
 It is text about Recycling Glass Bottles
2. What is the author’s purpose? (C2)
 ‘How’ bottles are recycled.
3.

4. What is the generic structure of the text?

 Topic
 General statement

Definition of the Discussion

Is a text which present a problematic discourse, the problem will be discussed from different
view points. Discussion is commonly found in philosophical, historic, and social text.
General structure of Discussion Text
– Issue : stating the issue which is to discussed
– Argument pro : presenting the point in in supporting the presented issue
– Argument cons : presenting other points which disagree to the supporting point
– Conclusion / recommendation : stating the writer’ recommendation of the discourse
Purpose of Discussion text
– To present two points of view about issue or problem.
– To present arguments from differing points of view about issue or problem..
Language feature of Discussion text
– Introducing category or generic participant
– Using thinking verb; feel, hope, believe, etc
– Using contrastive conjunction; however, on the other hand, but, in other side, although, etc
– Using modalities; must, should, could, may, etc
– Using adverbial of manner; deliberately, hopefully, etc
– Simple present
On completion of this learning activity, you should be able to
1. Understand the nature of discussion texts
2. Get the general pictures of discussion texts
3. Build relevant arguments in discussions
4. Present a coherent discussion text