20 examples of explanation writing

We will delve into some of the best examples of explanation writing. Focusing on clear, concise, and easily digestible information, we will look at a few examples of explanation writing and see what makes them effective. From scientific concepts to everyday skills and tasks, these examples will showcase the power of explanation writing to clarify complex ideas and make them accessible to a wider audience.

Person typing an article in WordPress on a laptop
Person typing an article in WordPress on a laptop

What is explanation writing?

Explanation writing is a type of writing that provides information and clarifies complex ideas, processes, or phenomena. Explanation writing aims to make complex concepts easier to understand by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable parts and describing each part in detail.

Explanation writing can take many forms, including essays, articles, how-to guides, and scientific papers. It can explain various topics, from natural processes and scientific concepts to everyday skills and tasks. Regardless of the topic, the key to effective explanation writing is to provide clear and concise information that is easy to understand while still being accurate and thorough.

Examples of explanation writing

Scientific Concepts

  1. The water cycle is an example of explanation writing because it provides a clear and concise explanation of a complex natural process. It breaks down water movement on, above, and below the Earth. Using clear language and simple examples helps the reader understand and visualize the process, making it easier to retain the information.
    Example: The water cycle is a continuous process that describes water movement on, above, and below the Earth. It starts with the evaporation of water from oceans, lakes, and rivers, which rises into the atmosphere as water vapor. The water vapor then condenses into clouds, which eventually release the water in the form of precipitation. The precipitation flows into rivers and eventually returns to the oceans, completing the water cycle. This process plays a critical role in the Earth’s climate, providing fresh water for plants, animals, and humans and helping to regulate the planet’s temperature.
  2. Photosynthesis is another example of explanation writing, as it provides information about a complex biological process in a way that is easy to understand. The writer breaks down the process of converting light energy into chemical energy, describing each step in detail and using clear language and simple examples. By doing so, the writer makes this complex process accessible to a wider audience.
    Example: Photosynthesis is a biological process in which plants convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy in glucose. During photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil through their leaves. The energy from the sun is then used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This process is the primary source of food and oxygen for all living things on Earth.
  3. The human digestive system is an example of explanation writing because it provides a clear and concise explanation of a complex biological process. The writer breaks down the process of breaking down food and absorbing its nutrients, making this complex process accessible to a wider audience.
    Example: The human digestive system is a complex network of organs and glands working together to break down food and absorb nutrients. The process starts in the mouth and ends with eliminating waste from the body. The digestive system is critical in maintaining health, allowing the body to extract nutrients from food and eliminate waste.
  4. The osmosis process is an example of explanation writing because it provides a clear and concise explanation of a complex biological process. The writer explains the diffusion of water molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.
    Example: Osmosis is the diffusion of water molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration through a semi-permeable membrane. This process helps regulate the water content of cells and maintain the proper balance of ions and other solutes within the body. The osmosis process is driven by the concentration gradient, which is the difference in concentration of solutes between two areas.
  5. How earthquakes happen is an example of explanation writing because it provides a clear and concise explanation of a complex natural process.
    Example: Earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth’s surface. When two plates grind against each other, stress builds up and is eventually released, causing the ground to shake. The severity of an earthquake is measured by its magnitude, which is determined by the amount of energy released during the event, and its intensity, which is determined by the effects it has on the ground and surrounding structures.

Everyday Tasks:

  1. How to change a tire is an example of explanation writing because it provides clear and concise instructions for a practical everyday task.
    Example: Changing a tire is a practical everyday task that can be accomplished with the right tools and a little bit of knowledge. You will need a spare tire, a lug wrench, and a jack to change a tire. First, use the lug wrench to loosen the nuts on the flat tire, then use the jack to lift the car off the ground. Next, remove the flat tire and replace it with the spare tire, tightening the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Finally, lower the car back to the ground and ensure the spare tire is secure before driving.
  2. How to make a pot of coffee
    Example: Making a pot of coffee is a simple everyday task that requires only a few basic ingredients and tools. To make a pot of coffee, you will need coffee, a coffee maker, and water. First, fill the coffee maker with water and add the desired amount of coffee to the filter. Next, turn the coffee maker on and wait for the coffee to brew. Finally, pour the coffee into a mug and enjoy.
  3. The steps to make a cake
    Example: Making a cake is a fun and creative task that can be accomplished with a few basic ingredients and a little bit of know-how. To make a cake, you will need flour, sugar, eggs, baking powder, and milk. First, mix the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Next, add the eggs and milk and mix until the batter is smooth. Finally, pour the batter into a cake pan and bake in the oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once the cake has cooled, you can decorate it with frosting, sprinkles, or other toppings as desired.
  4. How to write a resume
    Example: Writing a resume is an important task that requires careful consideration of your skills, experiences, and qualifications. To write a resume, you will need to gather information about your education, work history, and any relevant skills or achievements. Start by writing a professional summary that highlights your strengths and experiences. Next, list your education and work history in reverse chronological order, including the dates, job titles, and descriptions of your responsibilities. Finally, list any relevant skills or achievements, such as certifications or awards, that demonstrate your strengths and qualifications.
  5. The basics of gardening
    Example: Gardening is a fun and rewarding hobby that can help you connect with nature and improve your physical and mental health. To start gardening, you will need a few basic tools, such as a garden hose, watering can, and gloves, as well as a suitable plot of land and some seeds or plants. First, choose a location for your garden that receives adequate sunlight and has good soil. Next, prepare the soil by removing any weeds and adding compost or fertilizer. Finally, plant your seeds or plants, water them regularly, and care for them as they grow.

Social and Cultural Phenomena:

  1. The history of the American Civil Rights Movement
    Example: The American Civil Rights Movement was a political and social movement in the mid-20th century that sought to end racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans. The movement was led by figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., who advocated for nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience, and gained momentum in the 1950s and 1960s through events such as the Montgomery bus boycott and the March on Washington. The movement eventually led to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which ended legal segregation and discrimination against African Americans.
  2. The rise of social media
    Example: Social media refers to a range of online platforms and applications that allow users to create and share content, connect with others, and participate in online communities. The rise of social media has been driven by technological advancements and the increasing availability of high-speed internet. Over the past two decades, social media has transformed the way people communicate, share information, and connect with each other, and has become an important tool for businesses, organizations, and individuals.
  3. Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
    Example: The COVID-19 pandemic is a global health crisis that has had a profound impact on nearly every aspect of society. The pandemic has resulted in widespread illness, death, and economic disruption, as well as widespread changes to the way people live, work, and interact with each other. Understanding the impact of the pandemic requires a careful examination of its effects on public health, the economy, and social and political systems, as well as an understanding of the various responses that have been put in place to address the crisis.
  4. The role of money in politics
    Example: Money plays a significant role in politics, influencing the outcome of elections, the policies that are adopted by governments, and the distribution of resources and opportunities. The role of money in politics is a complex issue, as it can provide important resources for political campaigns and advocacy efforts, but can also result in corruption, influence-peddling, and the prioritization of wealthy interests over the public good. Understanding the role of money in politics requires a careful examination of the ways in which money is raised, spent, and regulated in the political process.
  5. The significance of cultural diversity
    Example: Cultural diversity refers to the variety of cultures, languages, beliefs, and traditions that exist within a society. Cultural diversity is important because it enriches the social and cultural fabric of society, creates a sense of community and belonging, and helps to promote understanding and tolerance between different groups. Understanding the significance of cultural diversity requires an appreciation of the unique perspectives and experiences that each culture brings to the table, as well as an understanding of the challenges and opportunities that arise from cultural differences.

Technical Processes:

  1. How a computer works
    Example: A computer is a complex machine that is capable of processing information and performing a wide range of tasks. To understand how a computer works, it is helpful to understand its individual components, including the central processing unit (CPU), memory (RAM), storage (hard drive), and input/output devices (keyboard, mouse, screen). The CPU is the brain of the computer, responsible for executing the instructions that make up a program. The memory and storage are used to store data and programs, while the input/output devices allow the user to interact with the computer.
  2. The inner workings of a smartphone
    Example: A smartphone is a complex device that combines the features of a computer, camera, and telephone into a single device. To understand the inner workings of a smartphone, it is helpful to understand its individual components, including the processor, memory, storage, battery, and display. The processor is responsible for executing the instructions that make up the smartphone’s operating system and applications. The memory and storage are used to store data and programs. The battery provides power to the device, while the display allows the user to interact with the device.
  3. Understanding blockchain technology
    Example: Blockchain is a decentralized, distributed ledger technology that provides a secure and transparent way of storing and transmitting data. The technology is based on a network of nodes, each of which maintains a copy of the ledger, and a consensus algorithm, which ensures that all nodes agree on the state of the ledger. Blockchain is important because it provides a secure and transparent way of storing and transmitting data, without the need for intermediaries such as banks or other financial institutions.
  4. The process of 3D printing
    Example: 3D printing is a process in which a machine creates a physical object from a digital model. The process works by building up the object layer by layer, using materials such as plastic, metal, or ceramic. 3D printing is important because it provides a flexible and efficient way of producing physical objects, and has applications in a wide range of fields, including manufacturing, healthcare, and architecture.
  5. The science of cryptography
    Example: Cryptography is the science of encoding and decoding information to protect it from unauthorized access. The science of cryptography is based on mathematical algorithms that are used to encrypt and decrypt information. Cryptography is important because it provides a secure way of transmitting information, and is used in a wide range of applications, including secure communication, digital signatures, and secure storage.

Why are examples of explanation writing important?

Examples of explanation writing are important because they help to make complex or abstract concepts, processes, and phenomena accessible and understandable to a wider audience. Explanation writing provides clear, concise, and detailed information about a given topic, breaking it down into its individual components and describing each part in simple language and with relevant examples. This makes it easier for readers to understand the topic, grasp its importance, and apply the information in a meaningful way.

Examples of explanation writing can also play an important role in education, by helping students learn new concepts and ideas, and in research, by providing a clear and comprehensive overview of a given field. Explanation writing can also be used to inform and educate the public on important issues, such as public health and safety, and to promote understanding and tolerance by explaining the complexities of social and cultural phenomena.

Explanation writings are important because they provide a valuable tool for communicating information and knowledge, promoting understanding, and advancing education and research.