Explanatory Text: Definition, Features, Purpose, Structure, and Examples

Have you seen or read the news about natural disasters? Usually there is an explanation of the process by which the event occurred. So there is a text in Indonesian that is made to explain the causes and effects of the event. This text is called explanatory text.

Therefore we will explain in depth about explanatory text until you understand this text. Here's what it says below!

Definition of Explanatory Text

Explanatory text is a text that contains explanations about phenomena or events, natural and social phenomena that occur in everyday life. The natural phenomenon in question can be in the form of landslides, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, forest fires, the process of forming a rainbow, etc. Social phenomena that can be explained with explanatory texts, for example. protests, battles, wars and more.

Explanatory text aims to provide a clear understanding and understanding to the reader. Therefore, an explanatory text must contain the flow, causes and consequences of the event.

Features of Explanatory Text

Quoted from the explanatory text of the E-module for class XI SMA, the explanatory text has several characteristics, namely:

1. The structure consists of general statements, causal sequences, and interpretations

2. Information based on facts

3. The information contained is scientific or scholarly like science

4. The nature of explanatory text is also informative. That is, not trying to influence the reader to believe in the discussion

5. Using sequence markers, first, second, third and so on. Or it could be first, next, last

6. Supporting articles, for example: "Social Explanatory Text and Its Structure"

Purpose of Explanatory Text

The purpose of an explanatory text is to clearly explain the processes involved in the phenomenon. This text also provides reasons for the incident in simple language that is easy for the reader to understand.

Explanatory Text Structure

A text can be classified as explanatory text if it is arranged in the form of general statements, causal relationships, and interpretations.

1. Phenomenon identification

In this section, the explanatory text explains the general description of the natural phenomena/events being discussed. These problems can arise from the process of how these natural phenomena can occur.

2. Series of Events

Now that you know the phenomena that are often discussed, this section explains the causes and effects of these phenomena. You can explain cause and effect in a few paragraphs. This section is also referred to as a set of explanations.

3. Interpretation

The interpretation of explanatory text can be called an overview or conclusion. You can provide comments or feedback about the phenomena discussed in the text.

Example of explanatory text

To better understand how to write an explanatory text, here is an example of an explanatory text along with its structure.

Phenomenon Identification

Forest fire is a situation where a forest is destroyed by a large fire which results in the destruction of some or all of the forest products. Forest fires also affect air pollution in people's homes.

Description of the Series of Events

Forest fires can be caused by human and natural activities. Human activities that can trigger forest fires include: carelessly throwing cigarette butts, deliberately starting forest fires or putting out bonfires. In addition, the prolonged dry season also contributed to this disaster. Brushed leaves or branches can cause widespread fires.

Interpretation

Forests are natural resources that we must protect. As sentient beings, it would be nice if we took part in protecting the forest. Starting with throwing cigarettes into the trash and extinguishing the bonfire before leaving the forest.

Now, do you understand what explanatory text is? Hopefully this information makes you understand this text.