The temperature of the sun is very high, with a surface temperature of 6,000 degrees Celsius. Even steel will turn into steam when it touches it. Use the illustrative method of listing numbers and making comparisons. "6000 degrees Celsius" is a series of numbers, and "steel will turn into steam when it touches it" is a comparison.
Common explanation methods include:
Give examples, classify, list numbers, make comparisons, draw charts, define, make explanations, make analogies, imitate descriptions, and make quotations. , making assumptions, etc. When writing an expository essay, you should choose the best method according to the characteristics of the object of explanation and the purpose of writing. The following are explained respectively:
01. Give examples
Cite actual examples to illustrate things and make the things to be explained concrete so that readers can understand. This method of explanation is called giving examples. . When using examples to explain things or events, one must pay attention to the representativeness of the examples, and the other is to pay attention to the appropriateness of the examples.
Function: Make the meaning of the article clearer, readers can better understand it, and it specifically explains the characteristics of the object of explanation.
Example: Clouds can predict the weather. For example, in Xinjiang, the appearance of clouds means it will rain. ——"Looking at the Clouds to Know the Weather" (listing corresponding examples based on a large scope)
The example is given, which truly and concretely explains... to make the article more Be persuasive.
02. Make quotations
In order to make the explanation more concrete and convincing, you can quote some literature, poems, sayings, famous sayings, etc. The scope of cited materials is very wide, including classic works, famous quotes, formulas and laws, allusions and proverbs, etc.
Function: Make the article more convincing. Reflect the accuracy of expository language. Quoting ancient poems: making the expository text more poetic and picturesque. Quoting stories makes the article interesting.
Example: Zhang Jiazhen of the Tang Dynasty said that it was "strangely made, and people don't know why." ——"Chinese Stone Arch Bridge" (can increase the persuasiveness of the article)
03. Comparison
Comparison is to compare two things or phenomena that are the same or different. A method of explaining the characteristics of things. To explain something abstract or unfamiliar to people, you can compare it with something concrete or familiar to everyone, so that readers can get a concrete and distinct impression through comparison. The characteristics of things are often revealed in comparison. When making comparisons, you can compare things with the same kind or with different kinds. You can make a "horizontal comparison" of things, or you can make a "vertical comparison" of things.
Function: Compare... with... to highlight the characteristics of the object.
Example: When the Yongding River floods, it is very strong. In the past, the embankments on both sides of the river were often washed away, but this bridge has never had any accidents, which shows its strength. ——"Chinese Stone Arch Bridge" (Highlight the characteristics of the object being explained.)
04. List numbers
In order to make the things to be explained concrete, the method of listing numbers can also be used , so that readers can understand. It should be noted that the figures cited must be accurate, and inaccurate figures must not be used. Even estimated figures must have a reliable basis and strive to be approximate.
Function: Use the method of listing numbers to explain, which can accurately and objectively reflect the facts and have strong persuasiveness. It also reflects the accuracy of the explanatory text and accurately explains the characteristics of the object of explanation.
Example: Zhaozhou Bridge is very majestic, with a total length of 50.82 meters, a width of 9.6 meters at both ends, and a slightly narrower middle section of 9 meters wide. There is only one large arch in the whole bridge, which is 37.4 meters long...——"Chinese Stone Arch Bridge" (reflecting accuracy)
05. Classification
Explain things The characteristics of things are often difficult to explain clearly from one aspect. Things can be divided into several categories based on similarities and differences in attributes such as shape, nature, cause, function, etc., and then explained one by one according to the categories. This method of explanation is called classification.
Function: Clear organization, clear levels, and clear at a glance. Clearly explain the characteristics of the subject, making the article more persuasive.
Example: According to the construction materials of the screen and the gorgeousness of the decoration, it is divided into gold screen, silver screen, brocade screen, painted screen, stone screen, wooden screen, bamboo screen, etc., so there is a distinction between refined and popular art. , and also reveals the different economic and cultural levels of users. ——"Speaking of "Screen"" (Let readers understand the types of screens.)
06. Make an analogy
Use the similarities between two different things to make a comparison. The explanation method that highlights the shape characteristics of things and enhances the image and vividness of explanation is called metaphor.
The method of illustration in the explanatory text is consistent with the metaphors and associations in figures of speech. The difference is that figurative rhetoric includes similes, metaphors, and metonymy, while explanations mostly use similes and metaphors, and metonymy should not be used.
Function: Use...an analogy to vividly illustrate the characteristics of the description object, making the description more understandable.
Example: The opening of the stone arch bridge is arc-shaped, like a rainbow. ——"Chinese Stone Arch Bridge" (can make the object to be explained vivid.
)
07. Describe the appearance
In order to make the object being explained more vivid and concrete, you can describe the appearance
Function: Describe the... ...Characteristics, vivid images explain in detail..., making the explained object more accurate, detailed and vivid.
Example sentence: Some of these stone lions are hugging each other, some are whispering to each other, some are like listening to the sound of water, and some are like watching passers-by. They are all different and lifelike. ——"Chinese Stone Arch Bridge" (make the explanation more concrete and vivid.)
08. Define
Use concise language and scientific terminology to define the essence of a certain concept A prescriptive description of characteristics is called a definition. Definitions accurately reveal the essence of things.
Function: Make people understand abstract words more clearly when reading.
Example: Coordination method is a mathematical method for arranging work processes. ——"Overall Planning Method" (can accurately reveal the essence of things.)
09. Interpretation
From one side, make some general explanations on a certain characteristic of things.
Function: Make readers understand abstract words more clearly and understand them better when reading.
Example: There are two small arches on each shoulder of the big arch. This creative design not only saves stone materials and reduces the weight of the bridge body, but also increases the water flow in the bridge hole and reduces the impact of floods on the bridge body when the river water surges. At the same time, adding arches to the arches makes the bridge more beautiful. ——"Chinese Stone Arch Bridge" (Let readers understand the ingenuity of this design.)
10. Charts
In order to explain very complex things clearly, you can use charts This method can make up for the shortcomings of using words alone and explain certain things more directly and clearly.
Function: Make it clear at a glance. It clearly explains the characteristics of the subject in a clear and direct manner.
11. Making assumptions
Making assumptions is to use hypothetical ideas to express situations that will occur in the future.
Use: Use hypothetical environments to predict situations that may occur in the future.
Example: We only have one earth, if it is destroyed, we have nowhere to go.
The language requirements of expository texts are scientific, rigorous, accurate, truthful, thorough, concise and clear; literary expository texts also require vividness and imagery. Appropriate use of explanation methods can improve the scientific nature and accuracy of explanation language, make the explanation object more specific and vivid, let readers understand more clearly the author's meaning, enhance persuasiveness, and sometimes enhance readers' reading ability. Interest, more prominent theme.