What Is an Explanation Text?

The purpose of an explanation text is to describe how and why a particular thing works, or how and why a particular event occurs. Explanation texts can be written about a wide range of topics. From explaining the water cycle to describing how a plant grows, this text type encourages students to think logically, organise ideas clearly and communicate complex information in a structured way.

If you’re about to embark on an explanation writing unit with your students, don’t start until you have checked out this teaching presentation from Teach Starter!

This 31-slide teaching presentation will help you explain all the fundamental features of an explanation text to your students. The content sequence gradually builds understanding, allowing students to explore the purpose, structure and language features of explanation writing before analysing authentic examples.

The presentation includes:

• A tuning-in activity to activate prior knowledge and spark curiosity
• An overview of the purpose of explanation texts
• Explicit teaching about the structure of explanation texts
• Detailed instruction on the language features used in explanation writing
• Example explanation texts for students to read, discuss and analyse
• Class, group and independent activities that reinforce learning

Teach Explanation Text Structure Through Explicit Instruction

A strong understanding of explanation text structure helps students organise information logically and communicate their ideas effectively.

By engaging with this resource, your students will:

• Understand the purpose of explanation texts
• Identify the key stages of an explanation text
• Analyse language features
• Build writing confidence

With opportunities for whole-class discussion, collaborative learning and independent practice, this PowerPoint helps students move from recognising the features of explanation texts to applying them successfully in their own work.

Download This Explanation Text Teaching PowerPoint 

This slideshow downloads as either a Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides presentation. Use the dropdown menu on the Download button to access your preferred version. (Note: You will be prompted to make a copy of the Google Slides presentation before accessing it.)

Once downloaded, simply display the slides in your classroom and work through the lessons at a pace that suits your students. Whether you’re introducing explanation texts for the first time or revisiting the genre to strengthen student understanding, this comprehensive teaching presentation provides everything you need to engage learners and support strong writing outcomes.

More Resources for Exploring Explanation Texts

Click below to explore more teacher-created, curriculum-aligned resources to use when teaching the explanation genre to your students.

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