INTERMEDIATE READING PAPER

EXPLANATION VS NARRATION TEXT

ARRANGED BY GROUP 6:
Pande Made Sasri Wiswani 2201541102
Novita Panjaitan 2201541105
Abigail Valeria Hasugian 2201541108
Angelica Egiastri Situmorang 2201541113

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
FACULTY OF HUMANITIES
UDAYANA UNIVERSITY
2023
 NARRATIVE TEXT VS EXPLANATION TEXT
Definition of narrative text is a type of text that tells a story or describes a
sequence of events. The story is about a complicated or problematic event and it
tries to find the resolutions to solve the problems. It includes any type of writing
that relates a series of events and includes both fiction (novels, short stories,
poems) and nonfiction (memoirs, biographies, news). Both forms tell stories that
use imaginative language and express emotion, often through the use of
imaginary, metaphors, and symbols.
Meanwhile, definition of explanation text is a text which tells the process
relating to forming of natural social, scientific, and cultural phenomena.
Explanation text is to say ‘why’ and ‘how’ of the forming of the phenomena. It is
often found in science, geography, and history textbooks.
The purpose of narrative text is to amuse, entertain, or inform the reader
with a story of a series of events presented in a coherent and engaging way. It is
also to gain and hold a reader’s interest, for example speakers, advertisers, and
politicians use stories to persuade us to accept or reject an idea. Some narrative
texts may also have didactic or instructive purposes, such as teaching moral
lessons or sharing information about historical events or specific cultural
traditions. A narrative texts also have social functions, which include entertaining,
providing information, and of course, educating the readers.
An explanation text is written to explain how and why something in the
world happens. It is about actions rather than about things, the purpose of
explanation text is to tell the process relating to forming of natural, social,
scientific, and cultural phenomena and to explain how or why something happens.
According to Mark Anderson and Kathy Anderson (1997:82) says that the
explanation text type is often used to tell how and why things (phenomena) occur
in nature.
Generic structure of narrative text has an orientation, complication,
resolution, and reorientation or coda. Orientation is the opening paragraph of the
text that introduces who the characters involved in the event (who) and the time
setting (when) and place behind the event (where). Then, complication consists of
paragraphs that explain the beginning of the problem. The beginning of this
problem also begins a series of plots (storylines) which will then continue to
conflict, climax, and anti-climax of the story. After that, there are resolutions
which are the paragraphs that become the end of the story. In this part, there is a
completion that makes the storyline end. Every problem that arises must have a
solution, can be closed with a happy ending or a tragic or a sad ending. And the
last is the reorientation which is the closing sentence that tells the last condition of
the character in the story or the moral message of the story. This is a closing
remark to the story. It consists of a moral lesson, advice or teaching from the
writer.
Generic structures of explanations text have the following structure like
title, general statement introducing or identifying the phenomenon, series of
sequenced paragraphs, concluding paragraph labeled diagrams and flowcharts.
General statement, the first paragraph has a general statement that introduces or
identifies the scientific or technical phenomenon. It gives the audience a brief
introduction to the event or thing and an understanding of the type of text that is to
follow. The explanation sequence should consist of a series of happenings,
actions, causes or processes that are the focus of the text type. This chain of
actions, causes or events results in the phenomenon about which the explanation
is written. Events may be related according to time or cause or through both and
should be detailed and accurate, ensuring that all elements have been included.
Concluding statement is an optional concluding statement that can tie up the
explanation. Labeled diagrams and flowcharts can be used to clarify information
or to add additional information not included in the explanation. Particularly in
scientific texts accurate diagrams and illustrations are important as they support
the text.
Types of a narrative text, first has a viewpoint narrative that is designed to
express the point of view or subjective personal experience of the main character
or other fictional character in the story. Secondly, it's a quest narrative that is a
story in which the protagonist works tirelessly toward a goal. After that, that
linear narrative presents the events of the story in the order in which they actually
happened. Lastly, it’s nonlinear narrative that presents the events of the story out
of order, employing flashbacks and other literary devices to shift the chronology
of a story.
There are different types of explanations. One type explains an occurrence
or how something works. It may be mechanical explaining how a lawn mower
works, technological describing how a computer works or natural when
describing how avalanches occur. A second type explains why things happen, for
example why objects expand and contract and why bathroom mirrors mist up
when we shower. Yet another type may explain the similarities and differences
between objects and a final type would explain how to approach a problem that
has to be resolved.
I. Narrative Text
A Day at the Beach
Yesterday was a perfect summer day, so my family and I decided to spend
the day at the beach. The sun was shining brightly in the clear blue sky, and a
gentle breeze rustled through the palm trees. As soon as we arrived, we set up our
umbrellas and beach chairs near the water. I could feel the warm sand beneath my
feet as I walked towards the shoreline. The waves crashed against the shore,
creating a soothing sound. I couldn’t resist the temptation of the inviting water. I
plunged into the cool ocean, feeling the saltwater engulfing my body. The waves
were just the right size for boogie boarding, so I grabbed my board and rode the
waves with exhilaration.
After a while, we decided to take a break and enjoy a picnic lunch. We
spread out a colorful beach towel and unpacked our delicious sandwiches,
refreshing fruit salad, and ice cold beverages. Seagulls circled above us, hoping
for a snack.
The rest of the day was filled with building sandcastles, collecting
seashells, and simply basking in the sun. As the evening approached, we packed
up our belongings and reluctantly left the beach, feeling tired but content. This
memorable day at the beach reminded me of the joy and relaxation that can be
found in nature’s beauty. I can’t wait for our next beach adventure!

II. Explanation Text

How Does a Solar Eclipse Occur?
A solar eclipse is a fascinating celestial event that occurs when the Moon
passes between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow on the Earth’s surface.
This phenomenon happens due to the alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth.
To understand the process, imagine a straight line with the Sun at one end,
the Moon in the middle, and the Earth at the other end. A solar eclipse only occurs
during a new moon when the Moon is positioned directly between the Sun and the
Earth.
During a solar eclipse, the Moon’s shadow falls on the Earth, blocking the
sunlight from reaching certain regions. However, not everyone on Earth
experiences a total eclipse. There are three types of solar eclipses: total, partial,
and annular. In a total solar eclipse, the Moon completely covers the Sun, and the
sky turns dark for a brief period. This occurs when the Moon’s apparent size is
larger than the Sun’s, creating a complete blockage. Total eclipses are a rare and
awe-inspiring sight. During a partial solar eclipse, the Moon partially covers the
Sun, creating a crescent-shaped shadow on the Earth. The amount of coverage
depends on the viewer’s location. An annular solar eclipse happens when the
Moon is at its farthest point from the Earth, making it appear smaller. As a result,
the Moon doesn’t completely cover the Sun, leaving a bright ring or ‘annulus’
around the Moon’s silhouette.
Solar eclipses are not regular occurrences because the Moon’s orbit is
tilted compared to the Earth’s orbit around the Sun. Thus, the alignment required
for an eclipse to happen is relatively rare. Witnessing a solar eclipse is a
remarkable experience that reminds us of the vastness and intricacy of the
universe. It’s essential to take proper precautions when observing an eclipse to
protect your eyes from the intense sunlight.

III. Features of Narration and Explanation Text

Here are the features of each text:
Narrative Text:
● Personal Perspective: The narration text is written from a first-person
perspective, providing a personal account of a specific experience.
● Descriptive Language: The text uses vivid and sensory language to
describe the events, setting, and emotions, creating a vivid picture in the
reader’s mind.
● Chronological Order: The events are presented in the order they occur,
following a chronological sequence.
● Emotional Appeal: The text aims to evoke emotions and engage the reader
by sharing persona; feelings and experiences.
● Narrative Structure: The text follows a narrative structure, including an
introduction, a series of events, and a conclusion, creating a cohesive and
engaging story.
Explanation Text:
● Objective Tone: The explanation text adopts an objective and informative
tone, presenting facts and information without personal bias or emotion.
● Informative Language: The text uses clear and concise language to explain
the process, principles, or concepts related to the topic.
● Logical Sequence: The information is presented in a logical and organized
manner, often following a cause-and-effect or sequential order.
● Factual Accuracy: The text aims to provide accurate information
supported by scientific or reliable sources.
● Expository Structure: The text typically follows an introduction, body
paragraphs with supporting details, and a conclusion, presenting
information in a structured and coherent manner.
These features help distinguish the narration text as a personal narrative
focused on experiences and emotions, while the explanation text is more
objective, informative, and focused on presenting factual information and
concepts.

IV. Comparison and Contrast of the Narration and Explanation Texts Above
Comparison:
● Both texts are written in a descriptive style, aiming to provide information
and engage the reader.
● They both use specific details and sensory language to create a vivid
picture in the reader’s mind.
● Both texts have a clear purpose: the narration text aims to entertain and
recount a personal experience, while the explanation text aims to inform
and explain a scientific phenomenon.
● Both texts use a narrative structure to present the information. The
narration text follows a chronological order, describing the events as they
happen, while the explanation text follows a logical sequence, explaining
the process of a solar eclipse.
Contrast:
 ● The narration text is a personal account of a day at the beach, focusing on
emotions, experiences, and sensory descriptions. In contrast, the
explanation text is more objective and focuses on presenting factual
information about solar eclipses.
● The narration text uses a first-person perspective, with the author
recounting their own experience. On the other hand, the explanation text
uses a more detached and informative tone, providing facts and
explanations.
● The narration text is centered around a specific event (a day at the beach),
while the explanation text explores a broader topic (solar eclipses) and
provides general information.
● The narration text is primarily focused on storytelling and creating a
narrative arc, while the explanation text is focused on providing a clear
explanation of a scientific concept.
To conclude, the narration text is personal, engaging, and focused on
storytelling, while the explanation text is informative, objective, and focused on
presenting facts and explanations.

V. Signal Words
Here are some signal words found in both texts:
● Explanation text: however, as a result, thus
● Narrative text: as soon as, so, after a while
Examples of signal words and phrases:
● Time: afterward, later, earlier, formerly
● Place: elsewhere, here, above, below, farther on
● Example: for instance, for example, for one thing
● Contrast: however, but, on the other hand
● Sequence: first, second, next, finally
● Amplification: again, in addition, furthermore
● Emphasis: in fact, yes, no, indeed
● Restatement: in other words, that is, by way of explanation
● Concession: granted, of course, to be sure
● Likeness: similarly, equally important
● Consequence: thus, therefore, consequently
● Summary: in short, hence, in summary
 REFERENCES

Blake Education Fully Reproducible. (2023, March 4). YouTube. Retrieved June
25, 2023, from http://repository.dinus.ac.id/docs/ajar/explanation_text_
introduction_and_overview-fp-916c1fe4.pdf
Course, B. (2017, August 13). Narrative Text; Definition, Purposes, Generic
Structures, Language Features – BRITISH Course. BRITISH Course.
Retrieved June 25, 2023, from http://britishcourse.com/narrative-text-
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