An explanation is written to:

• Explain how something happens

• Explain why something happens

• Help the reader understand a process or a cause and effect relationship

• Teach factual information in a clear way

• Inform, not entertain or persuade

Introduction (Statement)

• Introduces the topic clearly

• Tells the reader what will be explained

• Often defines the topic

Body Paragraphs (Logical Steps or Causes)

• Explains the process in order

• Uses separate paragraphs for each stage or reason

• Follows a logical sequence

• Each paragraph focuses on one main idea

Can be organised by:

• Time order (first, next, then)

• Cause and effect

• Steps in a process

Conclusion

• Summarises the explanation

• Reinforces why the process happens

• Does not introduce new ideas

Example structure:

“A tsunami is a large ocean wave caused by underwater movement.”

The Cause (Underwater Earthquake)

Most tsunamis begin when an underwater earthquake occurs. When tectonic plates suddenly shift, the sea floor rises or drops. This movement pushes a large amount of water upward.

Focus: What starts the tsunami

Paragraph 2 – The Wave Travels

After the water is displaced, energy spreads through the ocean in the form of waves. In deep water, tsunami waves travel very quickly but are often small and hard to notice.

Focus: What happens next

Paragraph 3 – Approaching Land

As the waves move into shallow water near the coast, they slow down. However, the energy has nowhere to go, so the wave grows taller. This is why tsunamis become dangerous when they reach land.

Focus: Why it becomes powerful

Conclusion

In summary, a tsunami forms when underwater movement displaces a large amount of ocean water. As the waves travel towards land, they increase in height, which makes them destructive. Understanding how tsunamis form helps people prepare for these natural events. 

• Present Tense 

Water evaporates when it is heated. 

• Technical Vocabulary 

Topic-specific words: eruption, condensation, digestion, erosion

• Cause and Effect Connectives 

because, so, therefore, as a result, this causes, which leads to,

Time Connectives 

first, next, then, after this, finally.

Formal and Factual Tone

No opinions, No persuasive language, Objective voice

An underwater earthquake pushes the sea floor upward. Tsunami waves travel quickly across deep ocean water. 

Tsunamis are often caused by movement along tectonic plates. The earthquake creates seismic waves beneath the ocean. 

The ocean floor drops suddenly. As a result, water is displaced. The water is forced upward, this causes a tsunami to form. 

First, an underwater earthquake occurs.

Next, the sea floor moves and pushes the water upward.

Then, the energy travels across the ocean as waves. 

Tsunamis are natural events caused by underwater disturbances.

They can travel long distances across the ocean. 

No “I think”, no “scary” or emotional language, no storytelling. Just clear, factual information