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What are explanation texts?

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Explanation texts are pieces of writing that explain something. They might tell you how or why something happens, or give information on how to do something.

Some examples are:

  • information books or leaflets
  • recipes
  • or current affairs articles
  • guides and manuals
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Watch: Writing to explain

Watch Mr Smith explain more about writing to explain. Follow what he says carefully, and have a go at the tasks he gives you.

How do you explain something clearly in writing? Watch this Teacher Talk for some tips.

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How are they written?

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Explanation texts often tell you about the parts of a process, usually written in chronological order 鈥 this means the process is described in the exact order that things happen or are done.

They are also written in an impersonal style, so don鈥檛 normally use the words 鈥I鈥 or 鈥you鈥. This helps the reader to focus better on the process being explained.

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Top tip!

  • Texts that explain a process usually have a title and introduction, 'stages' that outline the key information, and finally a conclusion, to sum everything up.
An illustration of a young boy thinking with a speech bubble saying top tip.
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Explanation texts that give instructions

Explanation texts that give instructions are used everywhere: Recipes, 鈥How to鈥guides and the instructions that come with new toys and games are all examples. Can you think of any others?

Some explanation texts give you clear instructions on how to do something, for a specific purpose - for example, an instruction manual that explains how to build furniture.

Watch this next video to take a closer look at instruction manuals and to see what can go wrong when you don鈥檛 follow them properly!

Why are explanation texts, particularly instruction manuals, so useful? Watch to find out.

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Activity 1

Test your skills in identifying types of instructions by reading the texts and then typing in the correct answers!

Click on the activity to begin.

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Activity 2

Click on the image to the right to see a text that explains the process around how tadpoles develop.

Unfortunately, the writer has missed out some important words!

Copy or print out the explanation text and place the missing words in the right places. One of the words has been given in the text, to help you.

Explanation text activity

How do tadpoles grow into frogs?
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Top tip!

  • Watch again from 1:20 in the Teacher Talk video for a recap on the useful words to use in introduction and 鈥榮tages鈥 sentences.
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You can check your answers in this .

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Activity 3

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Over to you! Try writing an explanation text of your own, in which you tell your reader how to do something.

1. Include a title and an introduction.
2. Write at least five steps or 鈥榮tages鈥 that explain your process.
3. Include at least two sentences for each step.

You can choose from one of these titles, or make up your own if you like, on something you know lots about!

  • How to play noughts and crosses

  • How to grow a sunflower

  • How to brush your teeth

  • How make a cheese and tomato sandwich

  • How to score the perfect goal

An illustration of a young girl with a microphone.
An illustration of a young boy smiling with a speech bubble saying top tip.

Top tip!

  • Remember to write in chronological order and to use an impersonal style.
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Play our fun English game Crystal Explorers. game

Use grammar, punctuation and spelling skills to explore jungles, caves and tombs on your mission!

Play our fun English game Crystal Explorers
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