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What is an Explanatory Writing?
Grade Level:
Class 5
NLP, Law, History, Social Sciences, Literature, Journalism, Communication
Definition
What is it?
Explanatory writing is a type of writing that aims to inform, clarify, and explain a topic or process to the reader. It helps readers understand 'how' something works or 'why' something happens by providing clear, factual details.
Simple Example
Quick Example
Imagine your younger cousin asks you, 'How do I make a paper boat?' If you write down simple, step-by-step instructions like 'First, take a rectangular sheet of paper. Then, fold it in half lengthwise,' you are doing explanatory writing. You are explaining a process clearly.
Worked Example
Step-by-Step
Let's explain how to make a simple cup of chai (Indian tea).
1. First, take a small saucepan and pour one cup of water into it.
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2. Place the saucepan on the stove and turn on the flame to medium heat.
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3. Add one teaspoon of tea leaves and one teaspoon of sugar to the water. If you like ginger, grate a small piece into it.
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4. Let the mixture boil for 2-3 minutes until the water changes colour.
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5. Now, add half a cup of milk to the boiling mixture.
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6. Let it boil again for another 2-3 minutes, making sure it doesn't spill over.
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7. Use a strainer to pour the chai into a cup, separating the tea leaves.
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8. Your delicious cup of chai is ready to enjoy! This step-by-step guide is explanatory writing.
Why It Matters
Explanatory writing is crucial for sharing knowledge and making complex ideas easy to understand. Journalists use it to report news, scientists explain discoveries, and doctors explain treatments. Learning this skill can help you become a great teacher, a clear communicator, or even a successful content creator.
Common Mistakes
MISTAKE: Just stating facts without explaining them. | CORRECTION: Always elaborate on facts, tell the reader what they mean, or how they connect to the main topic. Use 'because,' 'this means,' or 'as a result.'
MISTAKE: Using difficult words or jargon without defining them. | CORRECTION: Remember your audience. If you must use a complex term, explain it immediately in simple language, like explaining 'photosynthesis' to a Class 5 student.
MISTAKE: Not organizing information logically, making it hard to follow. | CORRECTION: Use clear paragraphs, headings, bullet points, and numbered lists to present information in a step-by-step, easy-to-understand order.
Practice Questions
Try It Yourself
QUESTION: What is the main goal of explanatory writing? | ANSWER: The main goal is to inform, clarify, and help the reader understand a topic or process.
QUESTION: Imagine you need to explain to a friend how to use a new mobile app for ordering food. What kind of writing would you use and why? | ANSWER: You would use explanatory writing because you need to clearly describe the steps and features of the app so your friend can understand and use it successfully.
QUESTION: Your school principal asks you to write a notice explaining the new rules for using the school library. List three things you would focus on to make it good explanatory writing. | ANSWER: 1. Clearly state each new rule. 2. Explain 'why' each rule is important (e.g., 'to keep books safe'). 3. Use simple language and possibly bullet points for easy understanding.
MCQ
Quick Quiz
Which of these is the best example of explanatory writing?
A poem about the beauty of the monsoon rain.
A story about a brave king and his adventures.
Instructions on how to recharge your mobile phone using a digital wallet.
An opinion piece arguing why cricket is better than football.
The Correct Answer Is:
C
Option C gives step-by-step instructions on 'how to' do something, which is the core purpose of explanatory writing. Options A, B, and D are poetry, storytelling, and persuasive writing, respectively.
Real World Connection
In the Real World
Every time you read a 'How-To' guide for an app on your phone, like how to send money using UPI, or look up a recipe for your favorite biryani online, you are engaging with explanatory writing. Even government websites explain new schemes or how to apply for a 'pan card' using this type of writing.
Key Vocabulary
Key Terms
EXPLAIN: To make something clear and understandable | CLARIFY: To make something less confusing | INFORM: To give facts or information | PROCESS: A series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular end | FACTUAL: Based on or concerned with fact rather than opinion
What's Next
What to Learn Next
Now that you understand explanatory writing, try learning about 'Descriptive Writing.' While explanatory writing focuses on 'how' and 'why,' descriptive writing focuses on 'what' something looks, feels, smells, tastes, and sounds like, making your writing even richer.
