Source: https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-3-writing-to-explain [Revision notes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes.md) › [IGCSE](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse.md) › [English Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language.md) › [Edexcel IGCSE](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse.md) › Writing to Explain # Writing to Explain English Language: Edexcel IGCSE - Specification B, topic 4.2.3 ## Writing to Explain When you write to explain, break down the topic for the reader. Your job is to help the reader to understand the topic better. When writing to explain, you should: ### Give reasons and explanations ![Give reasons and explanations](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-11/c7cd70a3-4258-4d52-aa15-b8ee65c3af39/why-reason-.png) - Remember that you are not just giving information, but you have to give reasons and explanations. ### Give specific examples ![Give specific examples](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-11/248da3d0-6612-4eca-989c-608caa6bc6ce/examples-explain-.png) - Give specific examples of whatever you are writing about. ### Answer the six questions ![Answer the six questions](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/chemistry/2.3.4%20Nanotechnology/question-mark-2492009_640-min.jpg) - Answer the six questions: Who, what, where, when, why and how? ### Describe a process ![Describe a process](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/e3db2cf8-61a4-43d4-804a-45efd9569613/flow-diagram.jpg) - Explaining involves describing a process and showing the cause and effect – e.g. X happens, which causes Y to happen (People overeat, which causes obesity and heart disease). ### Explain the task in depth ![Explain the task in depth](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/48aebd73-4676-49b6-97f4-595e3345bb94/writing-write-.jpg) - Stick to the task you have been given and explain it in depth. ### Explain your ideas throughout ![Explain your ideas throughout](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/f9807b1d-d6c5-408d-9db0-f0a36de76bb9/idea-innovation-bulb-.jpg) - Focus on explaining your ideas all the way through your writing. ## Writing to Explain in Texts When you write to explain, break down the topic for the reader. Your job is to help the reader to understand the topic better. You will see examples of writing to explain in the following texts: ### Textbooks which explain processes ![Textbooks which explain processes](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/biology/6.1.1%20-%20Reproduction/Chromosomes.jpg) - Textbooks which explain processes (especially science textbooks). ### Explanatory texts ![Explanatory texts](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-04/a459fe04-76be-4ac8-83d3-ebd1cc612366/shutterstock_135114548.jpg) - Any text which explains why and how something happens, but does not persuade the audience to do anything. ### Leaflets/pamphlets ![Leaflets/pamphlets](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-11/d158f6b9-0878-4c2f-998f-0d87e607455e/leaflet-.jpg) - Leaflets or pamphlets explaining information. ## Test yourself on Writing to Explain - Why is this a weak example to use in an explanatory account of the different parts of a museum?The Boden room contains lots of artefacts. - What are the six questions you should answer when writing to explain? - You are explaining the dangers of drinking too much alcohol. Which of these would be the most persuasive fact to include? - Which example shows direct cause and effect? - Which texts contain examples of writing to explain? [Practise this topic for free](https://app.senecalearning.com/classroom/course/423a79c1-c6f6-452c-a5c3-d30176aa5c13/section/4641db5e-6b8a-4bf3-b372-fa9f00b700ce/session) - Previous topic: [4.2.2 Writing to Inform - Example](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-2-writing-to-inform-example.md) - Next topic: [4.2.4 Writing to Explain - Example](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-4-writing-to-explain-example.md) ## English Language: Edexcel IGCSE - Specification B contents ### 1 Key Terms - 1.1 Key Terms - [1.1.1 Key Terms - Nouns, Verbs & Sentences](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/1-1-1-key-terms-nouns-verbs-and-sentences.md) - [1.1.2 Key Terms - Sentence and Clause Types](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/1-1-2-key-terms-sentence-and-clause-types.md) - [1.1.3 Key Terms - Words, Sounds & Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/1-1-3-key-terms-words-sounds-and-language.md) - [1.1.4 Key Terms - Types of Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/1-1-4-key-terms-types-of-language.md) - [1.1.5 Key Terms - Images, Symbols & Mood](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/1-1-5-key-terms-images-symbols-and-mood.md) - [1.1.6 Key Terms - Mood & Feelings](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/1-1-6-key-terms-mood-and-feelings.md) - [1.1.7 Key Terms - Other Techniques](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/1-1-7-key-terms-other-techniques.md) - [1.1.8 End of Topic Test - Key Terms](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/1-1-8-end-of-topic-test-key-terms.md) ### 2 Language Devices - 2.1 Language Devices - [2.1.1 Metaphors](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-1-metaphors.md) - [2.1.2 Similes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-2-similes.md) - [2.1.3 Metaphors & Similes HyperLearning](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-3-metaphors-and-similes-hyperlearning.md) - [2.1.4 Personification](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-4-personification.md) - [2.1.5 Pathetic Fallacy](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-5-pathetic-fallacy.md) - [2.1.6 Puns & Oxymorons](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-6-puns-and-oxymorons.md) - [2.1.7 Hyperbole & Emotive Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-7-hyperbole-and-emotive-language.md) - [2.1.8 Alliteration](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-8-alliteration.md) - [2.1.9 Sibilance](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-9-sibilance.md) - [2.1.10 Onomatopoeia](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-10-onomatopoeia.md) - [2.1.11 Recap: Language Devices](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-11-recap-language-devices.md) - [2.1.12 End of Topic Test - Language Devices](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-12-end-of-topic-test-language-devices.md) ### 3 Writing Structure - 3.1 Writing Structure - [3.1.1 Narrators](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/3-1-1-narrators.md) - [3.1.2 Paragraphs](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/3-1-2-paragraphs.md) - [3.1.3 Tense](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/3-1-3-tense.md) - [3.1.4 Present vs Past vs Future Tense](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/3-1-4-present-vs-past-vs-future-tense.md) - [3.1.5 Foreshadowing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/3-1-5-foreshadowing.md) - [3.1.6 Structure](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/3-1-6-structure.md) - [3.1.7 End of Topic Test - Writing Structure](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/3-1-7-end-of-topic-test-writing-structure.md) ### 4 Section B: Reading & Writing - 4.1 Writing Formats - [4.1.1 Letter](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-1-1-letter.md) - [4.1.2 Reports & Essays](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-1-2-reports-and-essays.md) - [4.1.3 Journal/Diary Entry](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-1-3-journaldiary-entry.md) - [4.1.4 Speech](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-1-4-speech.md) - [4.1.5 Newspaper Article](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-1-5-newspaper-article.md) - [4.1.6 Leaflet](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-1-6-leaflet.md) - [4.1.7 Review](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-1-7-review.md) - [4.1.8 Travel Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-1-8-travel-writing.md) - [4.1.9 End of Topic Test - Writing Formats](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-1-9-end-of-topic-test-writing-formats.md) - 4.2 Writing to... - [4.2.1 Writing to Inform](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-1-writing-to-inform.md) - [4.2.2 Writing to Inform - Example](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-2-writing-to-inform-example.md) - [4.2.3 Writing to Explain](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-3-writing-to-explain.md) - [4.2.4 Writing to Explain - Example](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-4-writing-to-explain-example.md) - [4.2.5 Writing to Persuade](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-5-writing-to-persuade.md) - [4.2.6 Writing to Persuade - Example](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-6-writing-to-persuade-example.md) - [4.2.7 Writing to Argue](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-7-writing-to-argue.md) - [4.2.8 Writing to Argue - Example](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-8-writing-to-argue-example.md) - [4.2.9 Writing to Persuade vs Writing to Argue](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-9-writing-to-persuade-vs-writing-to-argue.md) - [4.2.10 Writing to Advise](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-10-writing-to-advise.md) - [4.2.11 Writing to Advise - Example](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-11-writing-to-advise-example.md) - [4.2.12 End of Topic Test - Writing to...](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-12-end-of-topic-test-writing-to.md) - 4.3 Acronym of Techniques - DAFORESTAR - [4.3.1 Direct Address](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-3-1-direct-address.md) - [4.3.2 Alliteration](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-3-2-alliteration.md) - [4.3.3 Facts](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-3-3-facts.md) - [4.3.4 Opinions](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-3-4-opinions.md) - [4.3.5 Repetition](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-3-5-repetition.md) - [4.3.6 Exaggeration (Hyperbole)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-3-6-exaggeration-hyperbole.md) - [4.3.7 Statistics](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-3-7-statistics.md) - [4.3.8 Triple (Rule of 3)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-3-8-triple-rule-of-3.md) - [4.3.9 Emotive Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-3-9-emotive-language.md) - [4.3.10 Rhetorical Questions](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-3-10-rhetorical-questions.md) - [4.3.11 End of Topic Test - DAFORESTER](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-3-11-end-of-topic-test-daforester.md) ### 5 Section C: Writing - 5.1 Writing Task - [5.1.1 Discursive Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/5-1-1-discursive-writing.md) - [5.1.2 Narrative Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/5-1-2-narrative-writing.md) - [5.1.3 Descriptive Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/5-1-3-descriptive-writing.md) - [5.1.4 End of Topic Test - Writing Task](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/5-1-4-end-of-topic-test-writing-task.md)