Explanatory writing is like the Swiss Army knife of communication.
Whether you’re explaining how to bake a cake, why the sky is blue, or the inner workings of a business process, this type of writing is your go-to tool.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about explanatory writing.
What Is Explanatory Writing?
Explanatory writing is the art of breaking down complex ideas, processes, or concepts into simple, understandable terms.
Its main purpose is to inform and clarify, helping the reader grasp the subject at hand without overwhelming them with jargon or unnecessary details.
In essence, explanatory writing answers the question “how” or “why” something works
It’s not about persuading the reader or sharing opinions. Instead, it focuses on clear, concise explanations that are easy to follow.
Types of Explanatory Writing
Explanatory writing comes in various flavors, each serving a different purpose.
Here are the main types:
- Process
- Definition
- Comparative
- Cause and Effect
- Technical
- How-To Guides
Process Explanations
Process explanations guide readers through a series of steps to complete a task or understand how something works.
These are commonly found in how-to guides, recipes, and instruction manuals.
The key to a good process explanation is clarity—each step should be described in detail, with no room for ambiguity. It’s important to anticipate any potential confusion by breaking down the process into smaller, easy-to-follow steps.
Visual aids like diagrams or photos can also enhance understanding by providing a visual reference for the reader.
Definition Explanations
Definition explanations focus on clarifying the meaning of a term, concept, or idea.
These are often used in academic writing, technical documents, and educational materials.
The goal is to ensure that the reader fully understands the term, including its nuances and context.
A good definition explanation goes beyond a simple dictionary definition by providing examples, comparing it to similar terms, and explaining how it is used in different contexts.
This type of writing is especially helpful when introducing complex or specialized vocabulary to a general audience.
Comparative Explanations
Comparative explanations highlight the similarities and differences between two or more items, ideas, or concepts.
This type of writing is commonly used in essays, research papers, and product reviews.
The purpose is to help the reader understand how the items compare in various aspects, such as features, benefits, and drawbacks.
A good comparative explanation is balanced and objective, providing a thorough analysis that allows the reader to make an informed decision or develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
It often concludes with a summary that emphasizes the most important points of comparison.
Cause and Effect Explanations
Cause and effect explanations explore the relationship between events or actions, focusing on why something happens (the cause) and what happens as a result (the effect).
This type of writing is prevalent in scientific papers, historical analyses, and policy reports.
For a cause-and-effect explanation to work, it’s crucial to link the cause to the effect in a way that’s easy to follow.
The writer should provide evidence to support the connection, using examples, data, or expert opinions.
A strong cause and effect explanation helps the reader understand the underlying factors that contribute to a particular outcome.
Technical Explanations
Technical explanations break down complex technical processes or concepts, making them understandable for a non-expert audience.
These are commonly found in user manuals, technical reports, and online tutorials.
The challenge with technical explanations is striking a balance between accuracy and simplicity—too much detail can overwhelm the reader, while too little can lead to confusion.
Effective technical explanations use clear, straightforward language, supported by diagrams, flowcharts, or other visual aids.
The goal is to make complex information accessible and usable, whether it’s explaining how a piece of software works or detailing the components of a machine.
How-To Guides
How-to guides are step-by-step instructions that help readers accomplish a specific task.
These are often found in blogs, DIY sites, and instructional videos.
The effectiveness of a how-to guide lies in its organization and clarity—each step should be clearly outlined, with any necessary tools or materials listed at the beginning. Including tips, warnings, or alternative methods can add value and help the reader avoid common pitfalls.
How-to guides often benefit from visual aids, such as images or videos, which can provide a more comprehensive understanding of each step in the process.
10 Ways to Explain Something in Writing
Explaining something in writing isn’t just about putting words on a page—it’s about clarity, engagement, and making sure the reader walks away with a full understanding.
Here are ten tips to help you nail it.
Know Your Audience
Understanding your audience is crucial when explaining something in writing. Consider their background, knowledge level, and what they’re looking to gain from your explanation.
If you’re writing for beginners, simplify your language and avoid technical jargon. On the other hand, if your audience is more advanced, you can dive deeper into the subject matter.
Tailoring your content to your audience’s needs ensures that your explanation is both relevant and engaging. Always ask yourself: What does my reader already know, and what do they need to learn?
Start with the Basics
Before diving into the details, start with a basic overview of the topic. This helps set the stage and provides the reader with a foundation to build on.
A clear introduction is essential—it should outline what you’ll be explaining and why it matters. This initial groundwork prepares the reader for the more complex information that follows.
By starting with the basics, you give the reader the context they need to fully understand the topic. Think of it as laying a solid foundation before constructing the rest of the explanation.
Use Analogies
Analogies are powerful tools in explanatory writing because they help readers connect new information with something they already know.
By comparing a complex concept to something familiar, you make it easier for the reader to understand. For example, you might explain the structure of an atom by comparing it to a solar system, where the nucleus is the sun and the electrons are planets orbiting around it.
A well-chosen analogy can bridge the gap between the known and the unknown, making abstract ideas more tangible and relatable.
Break It Down
Complex topics can overwhelm readers if presented all at once. Breaking down the information into smaller, digestible parts helps make the content more manageable.
Use subheadings, bullet points, or numbered lists to organize your explanation. Each section should focus on a single aspect of the topic, allowing the reader to absorb the information at their own pace.
This method also makes it easier for readers to go back and review specific sections if needed. By breaking down your explanation, you ensure that your writing is clear, organized, and easy to follow.
Use Clear, Simple Language
Simplicity is key when explaining something in writing. Avoid using complicated words or technical jargon unless absolutely necessary.
If you do need to use specialized terms, make sure to define them clearly. Your goal is to make the information accessible, not to impress readers with your vocabulary.
Clear, simple language helps ensure that your explanation is understandable to a broad audience. Remember, the best explanations are those that can be easily grasped by someone who is encountering the topic for the first time.
Include Visuals
Visual aids can greatly enhance your explanatory writing by providing a different way for readers to understand the information.
Diagrams, charts, and images can clarify complex concepts that might be difficult to grasp through text alone. For example, a flowchart can help explain a process, while a diagram might make a technical concept more accessible.
When including visuals, make sure they are relevant and complement the text.
Adding a visual at the right spot can boost engagement and clarity, especially for those who learn best through images
Provide Examples
Examples are invaluable in explanatory writing because they turn abstract ideas into concrete realities. A well-chosen example can illustrate how a concept works in the real world, making it more relatable and easier to understand.
For instance, if you’re explaining a mathematical concept, showing how it’s used in everyday life can make it more accessible. Examples also help reinforce the information, giving readers a practical application of the concept.
The more relatable and relevant your examples, the more effective your explanation will be.
Anticipate Questions
Put yourself in the reader’s shoes and think about what questions might arise as they read your explanation. Addressing these potential questions in your writing can prevent confusion and help clarify any points that might be unclear.
This proactive approach shows that you understand the topic thoroughly and are considering the reader’s needs. Whether it’s explaining a tricky part of the process or clarifying a potential misunderstanding, anticipating questions strengthens your writing and makes your explanation more comprehensive.
Summarize Key Points
After presenting your explanation, it’s helpful to summarize the key points. This recap reinforces the main ideas and ensures that the reader walks away with a clear understanding of the topic.
A brief summary also helps readers review what they’ve learned without having to go back through the entire explanation. Summarizing key points is particularly useful in longer pieces of writing, where the reader might need a refresher on the main takeaways.
It’s a simple yet effective way to reinforce your explanation.
Get Feedback
No matter how well you think you’ve explained something, getting feedback from others is crucial. Ask someone to read your explanation and tell you if it makes sense to them.
This can help you identify areas that might need further clarification or simplification. Feedback from someone unfamiliar with the topic is especially valuable, as they can offer a fresh perspective on how well you’ve conveyed the information.
Incorporating feedback into your writing ensures that your explanation is clear, effective, and accessible to your intended audience.
Explanatory Writing vs. Informative Writing
While explanatory and informative writing might seem similar, they have distinct purposes.
Here’s how they stack up.
| Aspect | Explanatory Writing | Informative Writing |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | To clarify how or why something works. | To provide information or facts. |
| Focus | Detailed explanation of a concept or process. | Presenting data or knowledge. |
| Style | More step-by-step, breaking down concepts. | Often straightforward, presenting facts as they are. |
| Examples | How-to guides, process explanations. | News articles, reports, factual essays. |
For more information, here is a video playlist about both types of writing:
Templates for Explanatory Writing
Templates can make your writing process smoother. Below are templates for general, academic, and professional explanatory writing.
General Explanatory Writing Template
- Introduction:
- Introduce the topic and state why it’s important.
- Explanation:
- Break down the topic into smaller parts.
- Use simple language and examples.
- Conclusion:
- Summarize the key points.
- Reinforce the importance of the topic.
Academic Explanatory Writing Template
- Introduction:
- Provide background information on the topic.
- State the thesis or main argument.
- Literature Review:
- Summarize existing research or theories.
- Methodology/Analysis:
- Explain how the topic or process is analyzed.
- Discussion:
- Break down the findings and explain them in detail.
- Conclusion:
- Recap the main points and suggest future research or implications.
Professional Explanatory Writing Template
- Executive Summary:
- Provide a brief overview of the topic.
- Detailed Explanation:
- Break down the process, concept, or data.
- Use visuals like charts or graphs.
- Implications:
- Explain what the findings mean for the business or industry.
- Recommendations:
- Provide actionable advice based on the explanation.
Explanatory Writing Examples
Sometimes, seeing a full example is the best way to understand how to structure your own writing.
Here are three examples in different contexts:
Example 1: How to Bake a Chocolate Cake (General)
Introduction: Baking a chocolate cake may seem intimidating, but with the right steps, anyone can do it.
Explanation: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, combine eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Pour the batter into a greased pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.
Conclusion: Let the cake cool before frosting. Enjoy your homemade chocolate cake!
Example 2: The Importance of Cybersecurity in Business (Professional)
Introduction: In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is more critical than ever for businesses of all sizes.
Explanation: Cybersecurity refers to the protection of internet-connected systems from cyberattacks. This includes safeguarding sensitive data, such as customer information and intellectual property. Implementing strong security measures, like firewalls, encryption, and regular updates, can help prevent data breaches.
Conclusion: Investing in cybersecurity not only protects your business but also builds customer trust.
Example 3: Understanding the Theory of Evolution (Academic)
Introduction: The theory of evolution is a fundamental concept in biology that explains how species change over time.
Explanation: Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection is at the heart of evolution. According to this theory, individuals with traits that are advantageous for survival are more likely to reproduce and pass on these traits to the next generation. Over time, this leads to the evolution of species.
Conclusion: The theory of evolution provides a scientific explanation for the diversity of life on Earth.
20 Explanatory Writing Prompts & Topics
Stuck on what to write? Here are 20 prompts to get your creative juices flowing.
- Explain how photosynthesis works.
- Describe the process of recycling.
- Explain the causes and effects of climate change.
- Describe how to make a perfect cup of coffee.
- Explain the benefits of a healthy diet.
- Describe the process of getting a mortgage.
- Explain how to create a budget.
- Describe the process of natural selection.
- Explain the importance of time management.
- Describe how to start a podcast.
- Explain the process of DNA replication.
- Describe how to train a dog.
- Explain the benefits of meditation.
- Describe the process of applying for college.
- Explain how the internet works.
- Describe the process of painting a room.
- Explain the importance of mental health.
- Describe how to plan a wedding.
- Explain the causes of World War I.
- Describe how to write a resume.
Final Thoughts
Think of explanatory writing as your superpower.
Whether you’re breaking down complex ideas or guiding someone through a process, you’ve got the tools to make it happen. So, go out there, flex those writing muscles, and start explaining the world—one word at a time.