Apply it to Explanation:
Model clinic
Compare a draft with a stronger version.
Less effective: Water evaporates and then it rains.
More effective: When the Sun warms surface water, it evaporates into vapour. The vapour cools and condenses into droplets, which may fall as precipitation.
Sequence and causal links explain the process.
How the text works
Purpose, shape and language.
Purpose: Show how or why a process or phenomenon happens
Common forms: Natural cycle, machine, historical cause, social process
Typical structure: Phenomenon → sequenced stages or causes → result
Language features: Present tense; causal links; verbs of change; nominalisation where useful
Tone and register: Clear and explanatory; technical language is defined when the audience needs it.
Teaching guidance
Map the stages before drafting. Make each link explicit so the reader can follow cause and result.
Quick learner checklist
- □ The opening makes the purpose clear: Show how or why a process or phenomenon happens.
- □ Each part has a clear place and moves the reader towards the purpose.
- □ The language features, tone and level of formality fit the reader and situation.
- □ I have checked the details, paragraphing and punctuation before sharing.