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Writing Explanations
If you have an interest in science, you will probably be familiar with explanation books.

Writing Explanations

Writing explanations helps us describe how things happen or why they work. This KS2 English quiz teaches pupils how to explain ideas clearly and in order.

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Fascinating Fact:

Good explanations answer questions like “How does it work?” or “Why does that happen?”

In KS2 English, pupils learn that writing explanations means describing a process or event clearly. It often uses time order words like “first,” “next,” and “finally.” Writing explanations helps readers understand how or why something happens, whether in science, geography, or daily life.

Key Terms

  • Explanation: Writing that describes how or why something happens.
  • Sequence: The order in which events or steps occur in an explanation.
  • Connective: A word that links ideas together, such as “because” or “so.”

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What is an explanation text?

An explanation text describes how or why something happens. It is written in clear order and often answers a question like “How does it work?”

How do you start writing an explanation?

Begin by introducing what you are explaining, then describe the steps or reasons clearly using time connectives such as “first” or “next.”

Why is order important in explanation writing?

Order helps readers follow each step easily. Without order, explanations can become confusing or difficult to understand.

Try These Related Quizzes

To see a larger image, click on the picture.
1 .
Which of these questions could NOT be answered by an explanation?
Should pupils have to wear school uniform?
What causes the tides?
Why do penguins have wings?
How does a computer work?
If the question was 'Why should pupils have to wear a school uniform?' this could be answered by an explanation.
2 .
Which of the following would be an example of an explanatory (explanation) text?
A novel.
A book of poetry.
A manual on how to look after your bike.
A book on how a bike works.
Next time you are reading a piece of writing, look out for any explanatory text.
3 .
Why are illustrations, diagrams and charts used in explanations?
They help the reader understand how to follow the instructions.
They add extra information, which helps the reader understand the explanation.
They are only there to entertain the reader.
They are never used in explanations.
If you are asked to write an explanation, remember to use any or all of these in your work.
4 .
Which of the following would NOT be a suitable title for an explanation?
How do meteorologists forecast the weather?
How to make an alpine garden.
How do lava lamps work?
Why do bears hibernate?
'How to make an alpine garden' would be a set of instructions.
5 .
What is the purpose of an explanation?
To explain how something works.
To explain natural phenomena (such as a tornado).
To explain a social process (such as the legal system).
All of the above.
Explanations have many purposes.
6 .
In an explanation about how a lava lamp works, which tense would you use?
Past
Present
Future
None of the above
Most explanations are written in the present tense, although it is sometimes possible to use the past (giving an example from the past) or the future (explaining what will happen next).
7 .
What should the introduction include?
It should introduce the subject.
It should give instructions for how to read the rest of the explanation.
It should tell a mystery story.
It should tell the reader how long it will take to read the whole explanation.
The introduction can also mention the most important key words and define them.
8 .
Explanations are written in ____
first person.
second person.
third person.
first person and second person.
We have a KS2 English quiz called 'First, Second and Third Person' if you want to refresh your memory on the differences.
9 .
Which of the following connectives would you NOT find in an explanation?
After that, next, the following spring.
Furthermore, moreover, in conclusion.
First, then, finally.
Because, so, as a result.
'Furthermore', 'moreover' and 'in conclusion' would be used in an argument, but not in an explanation.
10 .
You would use a glossary for ____
listing the page number where each subject is mentioned.
giving the title and the name of the author.
listing the contents of the explanation.
defining specialist vocabulary.
A glossary gives the meanings of words.
You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Explanation texts

Author:  Sheri Smith (PhD English Literature, English Teacher & Quiz Writer)
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