Definition and Differences

What is Explanation?

An explanation is a type of text that explains or describes a process (how something works or why something happens). It is non-fiction, meaning that it is based on facts.

It is one of the genres that has to be learned in XI Grade. Many students misuse it as exposition or procedure text.

Social Function

To describe or explains a phenomenon to the audience(readers or listeners). A phenomenon can be natural, like flood, tsunami, volcano eruption. It can also man-made like a dam, riot, chaos etc.

Explanation looks like a procedure text. Sometimes, you may confuse explanations and procedures. Try to read the differences between the two genres.

From the table it can be concluded that an Explanation describes or explains a process. Usually the text will begin with a sentence rather than a verb. The process described can be how or why something works or happens.