Reflective Summary M5 LA1

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 consists 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