What is Explanatory Writing? Uncover the Power Behind Clarity
Understanding Explanatory Writing: Why It Matters
Explanatory writing, in its simplest form, is about making complex ideas clear to your reader. You know, when you’re reading something and you just get it, like it clicks and makes sense? That’s the magic of good explanatory writing. It’s not about impressing with fancy words (trust me, I’ve tried that and it often falls flat) but about breaking things down so anyone can understand, no matter their background.
It’s probably not a style of writing you’d think about every day, but it’s super important—whether you're explaining how a washing machine works, or how to do a math problem, or even why your friend should absolutely watch the latest show on Netflix (don’t deny it, we've all tried convincing someone like this).
The Core of Explanatory Writing: Simplicity is Key
Let me be real: when I first got into explanatory writing, I thought it meant "dumbing things down." And, yeah, I’ll admit, I struggled a bit. I thought, “If I’m explaining something, does that mean I’m simplifying it too much?” But, nope. It’s about clarity, not oversimplification.
The heart of explanatory writing is focusing on your reader’s understanding. Every choice you make—words, structure, examples—should serve that purpose.
The Structure of Explanatory Writing: Organize or Get Lost
Explanatory writing is all about structure. Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way. There’s nothing more frustrating than writing a detailed explanation only to find it’s all over the place. (You know, that moment when you’re reading your draft and just think, “What was I even trying to say here?”)
Step-by-Step Breakdown
The best way to structure an explanation is often to break it into small, manageable steps. If you’re explaining how to bake a cake, you don’t want to jump from mixing ingredients to placing the cake in the oven. You’d want to take the reader step-by-step. It's like putting together IKEA furniture—directions matter.
And, importantly, don’t assume everyone knows what you know. I remember once trying to explain how to set up a website to a friend who didn’t know the first thing about coding. I totally skipped over the basics and got frustrated. Huge mistake. That’s when I realized that you’ve got to take it slow.
Why Explanatory Writing is More Than Just Giving Instructions
Explanatory writing isn’t just a tool for manuals or guides. You can use this technique to make abstract ideas or difficult concepts easier to grasp. Want to explain how photosynthesis works or why climate change is a big deal? Explanatory writing is your best friend.
It’s about making the complex accessible. It’s not about throwing facts at someone—ugh, boring—but about weaving those facts into a narrative they can follow.
Connecting the Dots for Your Readers
Explanatory writing isn’t dry. It can be engaging, fun, and—dare I say it—entertaining. For example, when I tried explaining the history of the internet to a non-techie friend, I didn’t just start spewing dates and terms. I made it relatable. I compared it to the growth of a city, from a few houses to the sprawling metropolis it is now. That little metaphor did wonders.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Explanatory Writing
Oh, boy. Let me tell you, I’ve made some rookie mistakes when it comes to explanatory writing. Sometimes, you think you’re being clear, but then you read your work and realize it's confusing. Here are a couple of mistakes you definitely want to steer clear of.
Overcomplicating Things
One thing that always trips me up is overcomplicating things. I get too excited and start using jargon. When I was trying to explain how a computer works to a friend who had no tech background, I used terms like “motherboard” and “binary system.” Yeah, huge mistake. I should’ve stuck to “the brain of the computer” instead. Simplicity rules the day.
Missing the "Why"
It’s so easy to just dive into the “how” of things and forget the “why.” I was explaining how to make a smoothie once, and I jumped right into the steps. But then, my friend asked, “Why do I have to add spinach?” That moment hit me. If you don’t explain why something is important, your reader is left in the dark.
The Power of Examples and Analogies in Explanatory Writing
Alright, here's the real secret: examples and analogies are your best friends when it comes to explanatory writing. A few months ago, I was trying to explain the stock market to my cousin (who has, like, zero interest in finance). I knew throwing a bunch of numbers at him wouldn’t work. So I compared it to a local farmers’ market: you buy and sell goods based on supply and demand. It clicked for him.
Relatable Analogies Make a Big Difference
When you use an analogy that makes sense to your reader, you’re golden. It’s like a lightbulb moment for them. They’re no longer lost in the weeds of complex info. They’re just following along, happily nodding.
Why You Should Master Explanatory Writing
Explanatory writing isn’t just a nice-to-have skill; it’s essential for almost any communication. Whether you’re in school, writing a report at work, or explaining a game rule to your friends, you need this skill. It’s not just about writing, it’s about helping others understand what you understand.
And let’s be honest—who doesn’t want to sound like an expert?
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Is 172 cm good for a man?
Yes it is. Average height of male in India is 166.3 cm (i.e. 5 ft 5.5 inches) while for female it is 152.6 cm (i.e. 5 ft) approximately. So, as far as your question is concerned, aforesaid height is above average in both cases.
Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?
The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
How to get taller at 18?
Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.
Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?
Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).
Can you grow between 16 and 18?
Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.
Can you grow 1 cm after 17?
Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.