Explanation: The Purpose / Social Function of Explanation Text [PDF]

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EXPLANATION



The Purpose / Social Function of Explanation Text The purpose of explanation text is to explain the process involved in the formation of a natural or social phenomena.



The Generic Structures of Explanation Text The generic structures of this text are divided into three parts as follows: 1. General Statement (this part consists of a general statement / general introduction of the phenomenon that we are going to explain) 2. Sequenced Explanation (this part explains about some process involved in the formation of the phenomenon) 3. Closing (the concluding paragraph is presented in this part of explanation text even though it is not a mandatory)



Language Features of Explanation Text 1. Using simple present tense 2. Using passive voice 3. Focus on natural and socio cultural phenomena



Contoh Explanation Text How a Solar Eclipse Happens A total solar eclipse is a rare phenomenon with stunning visual effects. Many people are so eager to see this phenomenon when it happens since it can be considered as an extraordinary phenomenon. But, what causes this extraordinary phenomenon? Several things need to occur at once and in a straight line to create a total solar eclipse. A total solar eclipse appears as the result of sequenced events. First, The Moon orbits the Earth once a month and eclipse happens when it lines up exactly with the Earth and the Sun. The moon must be exactly in the right size and distance to block the sun. Eclipse does not appear every month because the orbits of the Moon and Earth are sometimes tilted at an angle. Next, the sun, moon, and Earth need to line up in a straight line, with the moon between the sun and Earth. Finally, to see the full eclipse, you need to be standing in the correct spot on Earth because not all of the sun shine is covered by the moon since its size is 400 times bigger than the diameter of the moon even though it’s also 400 times farther away from us than the moon