This project and its actions were made possible due to co-financing by the European Fund for the Integration of Third-Country Nationals Explanation writing Key words, definitions and examples Subject:English Age groups:8 – 11, 12 – 14, 15 – 16, Topic:Non-fiction writing EAL Nexus resource Licence information | This resource is free to use for educational purposes. © British Council 2014 Source | This resource was originally developed by Charlotte Hurley and has been adapted by EAL Nexus.

Topic sentence The first sentence of a paragraph that introduces the topic or subject of that paragraph  After a plant’s fruit is ripened, its seeds are spread  Motorcycle engines work in the same way that car engines do Key term Definition Examples

Technical language Language relating to the subject of the explanation paragraph  piston, cylinder block, engine;  Petals, stem, stamen Key term Definition Examples

Causal words and phrases Words and phrases used to connect two things that happen where the second part happens as a result of the first This causes… when… therefore… because… so… as a result… Key term Definition Examples

Paragraph A part of a piece of writing that usually deals with one subject, that begins on a new line, and that is made up of one or more sentences. Key term Definition Example Butterflies go through several changes… ___ ___________________________________________ The female lays an eggs…_________________ ___________________________________________ Larvae emerge from the egg… ____________ ___________________________________________ The caterpillar makes a … _________________ ___________________________________________

Logical steps Clear stages of the process ordered in a sensible way 1………………… 2 ………………... 3 ………………… Key term Definition Examples

Formal language Language used when conversational language (such as slang) isn’t suitable. Standard English is used, with correct grammar and punctuation.  ‘is placed’ rather than ‘put’  ‘elevate’ rather than ‘lift’  ‘manufacture’ rather than ‘make’ Key term Definition Examples

Passive voice Used when the focus is on the action. It is not important or not known who or what is performing the action  The wheel is turned  The oxygen is carried  The engine is started Key term Definition Examples

Time words and phrases Words and phrases to show when and in what order events happen At first… initially… before… during… at the same time … later on…after… finally… eventually… Key term Definition Examples

Present tense A verb tense used to show an action that is happening now  The heart pumps…  The plant grows … Key term Definition Examples

Past tense A verb tense used to show an action that is happening now  This caused the food supply to run out.  When the volcano erupted… Key term Definition Examples

Diagram A drawing that accompanies writing to help understanding - often labelled and showing how something works Key term Definition Example

Illustration Drawings or pictures that show items mentioned in the text Key term Definition Example

Components Smaller parts of a larger machine or electrical item Bike: pedal, chain, spokes, wheels, handlebars, seat. Key term Definition Examples

Phases The separate stages of a process / explanation Life cycle of a frog: egg-laying, fertilisation, tadpoles form, hatching, limbs develop… Key term Definition Example

Process A series of actions, changes or steps that lead to a result  Build-up of pressure  Magma moves towards the surface of the volcano  Gases in the magma froth  Magma and gases are released suddenly  A volcanic eruption occurs Key term Definition Example