3.

8 EXPLANATION TEXT Task 1

An explanation text explains the processes involved in the formation or Read the followings texts.
workings of natural or non natural/ sociocultural phenomena. In addition, An
explanation text gives you a step by step explanation. The explanation Text 1
sequence contains a sequenced explanation of why or how something occurs. A mixture of miscible liquid can be separated by fractional distillation. This is
This explanation is written in paragraphs. done using a fractionating column.
Take this experiment as an example. It is aimed to obtain ethanol from a mixture
Explanation text and Procedure text have similarity about explaining of ethanol and water. First, set up the apparatus as shown. Then boil the mixture of
something in steps. The only different is that procedure text consists of ethanol and water in the flask. You will first collect the liquid, which is ethanol, that is
instructions, while explantion text describes how certain phenomenon or event distilled out at 78°C.
happen.

The concept of an explanation text: Text 2

Petroleum is a mixture of hydrocarbon molecules. It is separated into fractions by
Purpose: To explain the processes involved in the formation and working of fractional distillation in an oil refinery. It is heated in a furnace. The oil vaporizes and
passes up the fractionating column. The fractions come out of the column at different
natural or socio cultural phenomena.
heights depending on their boiling points. Thus the petroleum gas fraction comes out
at the top of the column as its molecules have the lowest boiling points. The
Generic structure/Text Structure: lubricating oil fraction comes out of the column near the bottom because its molecules
have high boiling points.
1. General statement, stating the phenomenon issues which are to be
explained. Question:
2. Explanation statement (cause and effect) / A series of logical Which of the texts above is an Explanation text? Explain briefly.
statement . Sequenced explanation; stating a series of steps which Write your answer here =
explain the phenomena.
3. Conclusion/Closing / Concluding Statement (optional)

Language Features:
· Focus on generic, non-human participants
· The use of general and abstract nouns
· The use of action verbs
· The use of simple present tense
· The use of passive voice
· The use of conjunctions of time and cause
· The use of noun phrases
· The use of complex sentences
· The use of technical language
 Text 2
The eye is the most important sensory organ of the human body. Four fifths of
Task 2 all information from the outside world reaches the brain through the eye. But
how does this wonderful organ works?
Choose the correct answer. Once light reaches the retina, the light-sensing cells ( photoreceptors)
Text 1 convert light into electical impulses. Photoreceptor cells are either are ether
Optical telescopes allow us to see further; they are able to collect and focus rods or cones. Rods are concentrated along the outer perimeter of the retina;
more light from distant objects than our eyes can alone. This is achieved by they help us to see images in our peripheral vision and also to see in dark and
refracting or reflecting the light using lenses or mirrors. dimly lit environments. Cones are concentrated in the macula, the centre of
Refractive telescopes contain lenses much like those found in our the retina, allowing us to see fine visual detail in the centre of our vision; they
own eyes only much larger. Inside the telescope, light first reaches a primary also allow us to persive colour. Together, the photoreceptors covert light into
lens. Primary lenses are convex – rounded – and are able to bend the electrical impulses the are passed through the rest of the retina, through the
captured light and aim it onto a secondary, focusing lens. This second lens is optic nerve to the brain. The visual centres in the brain interpret the
then responsible for focusing that light to produce a clear image of the object. information received from the retina, enabling us to see.
Reflective telescopes work in a similar way to refractors but by
reflecting, instead of bending, light using curved mirrors. In both cases, more 1. What does the text mostly tell you about?
light captured in the primary stage means more power to see faraway and a A. A general description of a wonderful organ.
more efficient focusing stage produces clearer images. B. An explanation of how the brain works.
C. An explanation of how the eye works.
1. What is the topic of the text? D. A general desription of the brain.
A. How a telescope works. E. A general description of the eye.
B. How to assemble a telescope.
C. How to refract light using lenses. 2. From the text we know that ________________________________.
D. How to see distant objects clearly. A. the brain obtains most information from the world through vision
E. How to capture light onto focusing lens. B. the brain does not play role in the vision process
C. the eye is a minor organ for humans
2. What happens if lenses capture little light? D. our brain consists of optic nerves
A. We will get more detailed descriptions of the distant objects. E. we cannot see in dim light.
B. We can see distanct objects more clearly.
C. We will only see black shadow. 3. Where can we find cone cells?
D. It may damage our eyes. A. At the edge of the retina.
E. We hardly see distant objects. B. In electrical impulses.
C. In the macula.
3. From the text, it can be concluded that __________________. D. In the brain.
A. our eyes have larger lenses E. In the rods.
B. a telescope uses two lenses
C. lenses are used to capture light 4. “.... they help us to see images in our peripheral vision ....” (Paragraph 2)
D. light first reaches a secondary lens What does the underlined word refer to?
E. a primary lens is flat and round A. Eyes.
 B. Rods.
C. Lights.
D. Retinas.
E. Electrical impulses.

5. The word “convert” in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to ___________.

A. change
B. move
C. carry
D. bring
E. pass

Task 3

Complete the following text with the correct action verbs.

pop ----- heated ---- turns ---- explodes ----- makes

Why Popcorn Pops?

If you've ever wondered what's going on inside your microwave as you

(6)________ up this tasty treat, grab a front-row seat and find out what all the
noise is about. It's time to go behind the scenes with one of the world's oldest
snack foods!

So what (7)________ popcorn pop? And why doesn't all corn pop when
(8)_________? The answer is a matter of simple science. Popcorn is a special
kind of corn. Of all the types of corn, popcorn is the only variety that pops.

Inside each kernel of popcorn is a tiny droplet of water surrounded by a hard

shell called a hull. As the popcorn is heated, the water (9)_________ into
steam, which builds pressure inside the kernel. When the hull can no longer
contain the pressure — POP! — the kernel (10)_______ and a fluffy new
piece of popcorn is born.