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What is an Explanatory Text?
Grade Level:
Pre-School – Class 2
All domains without exception
Definition
What is it?
An explanatory text tells you how something works or why something happens. It gives clear information to help you understand a topic better. Think of it as a guide that explains 'what' and 'how'.
Simple Example
Quick Example
Imagine your mobile phone's user manual. It explains how to insert the SIM card, how to charge the battery, and how to use different features. That manual is an explanatory text because it tells you 'how to do' things with your phone.
Worked Example
Step-by-Step
Let's say you want to explain 'How to make a cup of chai'.
1. First, take a small pot and add one cup of water.
---2. Place the pot on the stove and turn on the flame.
---3. Add one teaspoon of tea leaves and one teaspoon of sugar to the water. Let it boil for 2 minutes.
---4. Now, add half a cup of milk to the pot and let it boil again until it bubbles up.
---5. Turn off the flame and strain the chai into a cup.
---6. Your delicious cup of chai is ready to drink!
This step-by-step guide explains exactly how to prepare chai.
Why It Matters
Understanding explanatory texts helps you learn new things in every subject, from Science experiments to History events. Doctors explain treatments, engineers explain how machines work, and even chefs explain recipes – all using explanatory text principles. It's key for clear communication in any career.
Common Mistakes
MISTAKE: Confusing explanatory text with a story | CORRECTION: Explanatory text gives facts and instructions, not a fictional plot or characters. A story entertains, an explanatory text informs.
MISTAKE: Including personal opinions or feelings | CORRECTION: Explanatory text should be objective and focus on facts. Avoid phrases like 'I think' or 'I feel' when explaining something.
MISTAKE: Using complicated words without explaining them | CORRECTION: An explanatory text aims to make things clear. Use simple language or define any complex terms you have to use.
Practice Questions
Try It Yourself
QUESTION: Is a recipe for making dosa an explanatory text? Why or why not? | ANSWER: Yes, a recipe is an explanatory text because it tells you 'how to make' dosa step-by-step.
QUESTION: Write two sentences explaining 'How to use a remote control to change channels'. | ANSWER: To change channels, point the remote control at the TV. Press the 'Channel Up' or 'Channel Down' buttons to switch between channels.
QUESTION: Your friend wants to know how to play 'ludo'. List 3 key steps you would explain. | ANSWER: 1. Each player chooses a colour and places their tokens in the starting area. 2. Players roll the dice, and a '6' is needed to move a token out. 3. Move tokens around the board according to the dice roll, trying to reach your home base first.
MCQ
Quick Quiz
Which of these is the best example of an explanatory text?
A poem about the rain
A news report about a cricket match
Instructions on how to assemble a toy car
A story about a talking elephant
The Correct Answer Is:
C
Instructions on how to assemble a toy car explain 'how to do' something step-by-step, which is the core purpose of an explanatory text. The other options are forms of creative writing or reporting.
Real World Connection
In the Real World
When you use the 'Help' section on a mobile app like Paytm or Google Maps, you're reading explanatory text. These sections explain how to send money via UPI, how to find directions, or how to report an issue. Even government websites explain 'how to apply' for a passport or Aadhaar card using explanatory text.
Key Vocabulary
Key Terms
EXPLAIN: to make something clear and understandable | INSTRUCTIONS: step-by-step directions on how to do something | PROCESS: a series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular end | INFORMATION: facts provided or learned about something or someone | OBJECTIVE: based on facts and not influenced by personal feelings or opinions.
What's Next
What to Learn Next
Now that you know what an explanatory text is, you can learn about 'Descriptive Text'. Descriptive text focuses on telling you 'what something is like' by using vivid details, which is different from explaining 'how or why'.
