Give feedback
Give feedback
English
Summary
By writing to explain you present the facts of your argument, then go into detail about the cause and effect of the main points. In this way, explanatory writing shares characteristics with other forms of writing. In this summary, you will learn how to explain clearly in order to get across to your audience what has occurred or what will occur. You will also be learning the features that are needed when successfully writing to explain.
A fact is something that can be proven to be true. Facts are used as evidence to explain certain concepts or to prove a point. Not everything is a fact; sometimes people present information as fact when it cannot actually be proven, especially online. This means that before you use facts, make sure that they are true (this is called fact-checking). Otherwise you can mislead your readers or be misled yourself.
Before you start your writing process, it is important to outline and plan the following aspects of your writing: the form, audience and the topic you wish to explain. By breaking these features down individually, it will help you present your explanation more clearly.
form | There are four basic forms of writing: narrative, descriptive, persuasive and expository (also known as explanatory). For this lesson, expository (explanatory) writing will be the form you choose. |
audience | Knowing your audience is important. This will help you determine what to include in your writing as they will be the ones reading it. |
Topic | It is important to know your topic well and to plan your writing ahead of time. This can help you stay on track while writing, so you don't lose focus on trying to make your main points. Always keep this in mind, so your writing is as effective as possible. |
The relationship between cause and effect must be presented clearly to explain your main point. This can also be presented as the reasons and results of an issue. Remember to present this as a relationship based on facts.
cause | Climate change has long-term effects on the climate and weather patterns. |
effect | Temperatures all over the world, including the UK, are rising; certain species of animals are becoming endangered; water is becoming more scarce. |
When writing to explain, these features will help you create a clear piece of explanatory writing.
connectives | Use connectives expressing cause and effect to create a clear order, for example, 'as a result', 'because of this', 'thus', 'consequently'. |
present tense | When explaining a current event or something happening in the present, use the present tense. When referring to things that occurred in the past, use the past tense. |
past tense | When explaining something that has already occurred, make sure you are using past tense in your writing. |
pronouns | It is common in explanatory pieces to write in the third person. However, if you would like to include yourself in the audience to create a connection, you can also use the pronoun 'we'. |
Persuasive language and rhetorical devices
Planning a first draft
Structuring paragraphs
Using evidence and facts
FAQs
Question: What are the four basic forms of writing?
Answer: The four basic forms of writing are: narrative, descriptive, persuasive and expository (also known as explanatory).
Question: How can I prepare an explanatory essay?
Answer: Before you start your writing process, it is important outline and plan the following aspects of your writing: the form, audience and the topic you wish to explain.
Question: What is a fact?
Answer: A fact is something that can be proven to be true. Facts are used as evidence to explain certain concepts or to prove a point.
Theory
Exercises
Your data protection
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you’ve provided them or that they’ve collected from your use of their services. By clicking on either "Accept cookies" or "Necessary cookies only", you agree to this (read more in our Privacy Policy). Privacy Policy
