1.71k likes | 6.33k Views
Explanation Text Form. What are explanations? Why do we write them? Let’s Find Out…. Purpose…. To give an account of some phenomenon. An explanation is an oral or written text that seeks to explain how things come to be the way they are, or to analyze how things work. Types of Explanations.
E N D
Explanation Text Form What are explanations? Why do we write them? Let’s Find Out…
Purpose… • To give an account of some phenomenon. An explanation is an oral or written text that seeks to explain how things come to be the way they are, or to analyze how things work.
Types of Explanations Explanations seem to fall into 2 main types: • Those that explain how things are (ex. How a kite works) • Those that explain why things are (ex. Why Volcanoes Erupt) **Some explanations may combine how and why
Here’s Some Examples… Explanations may be in the form of essays, handbooks, science, health and social studies texts. Take a look… Health Explain the process of digestion Science Explain how electricity is generated Social Studies Explain why soil erosion occurs
Text Characteristics/Features: Each Part of the Explanation is at least 1 paragraph. The framework looks something like this…
Explanations begin with a definition or statement about the phenomena. (Explain what you will be talking about) • A description of components or parts comes next • The next stage is the operation which outlines in a logical order how or why it works. • There may also be a description of the Application that tells when or where it works or is applied. • 5. Special Features or Evaluation is a way to sum it all up. • Now let’s look at an example…
How a Kite Works A kite is a flying object that is heavier than air. (definition) A kite consists of a frame, a skin covering the frame and a long string that is held by the user. (Components/Parts) A kite becomes airborne when the wind pressure between the kite and the ground lifts the structure into the air. The tilt of the plane surface of the kite causes a lesser air pressure to occur behind the kite’s upper surface than the wind on the under-surface. (Operations – How it works; Why it works; Cause and effect) Kites have been used as signals, experimental instruments in atmospheric measurement and as play objects dating back many thousands of years. (Interesting comments, Special Features, Evaluation)