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summary of things you have learned in Learning Activity 1. Check it out.

Summary: Explanation Texts

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 of sequenced statements about the
process explained. An optional concluding statement can tie up the
explanation. Labelled diagrams and flow charts can be used to clarify
information or to add additional information not included in the explanation.

Social function

explain how and why something works or happens

Text structure

 Title,
 General statement introducing or identifying the phenomenon,
 Series of sequenced statements,
 Concluding statement,
 Labelled diagrams and flow charts.

Language Features

 Vocabulary: general nouns, technical language, noun groups

 Grammar: action verbs, ‘timeless’ present tense, passives, adverbial
phrases, causal & temporal connectives