Explanation

1. Module 3
Paragraph development
by means of giving an explanation
An
explanation
tells what
something
means or
how
something
works
General statement:
Explanation of meaning
or
Explanation of how it works

2. Activity: Read this paragraph and identify
what the writer is trying to explain
Chocolate has been shown to improve cardiovascular
health. Cocoa, from which chocolate is made, contains
flavonoids. The main flavonoids present in cocoa have
been shown to relax blood vessels and lower blood
pressure (Stresing 2004). When blood pressure is
lowered, there is a reduced risk of health problems such
as stroke and coronary heart disease. A study (Taubert et
al. 2007) into the body’s response to the low
consumption of cocoa found that these health benefits
are comparable to those achieved through the use of
conventional blood pressure medicine. Therefore,
research indicates that small amounts of chocolate can
indeed offer heart health benefits.

3. General statement: Chocolate has been
shown to improve cardiovascular health
Explanation of how chocolate
improves cardiovascular health
relax blood vessels, lower blood pressure (Stresing 2004)
lower risk of stroke + heart disease
Benefits of low cocoa consumption - similar to using
blood pressure medication (Study by Taubert et al. 2007)
research shows chocolate is healthy for the heart

4. Activity: Read this paragraph and identify
what the writer is trying to explain
Hurricanes, which are also called cyclones,
exert tremendous power. These violent storms
are often a hundred miles in diameter, and their
winds can reach velocities of seventy-five miles
an hour or more. Furthermore, the strong winds
and heavy rainfall that accompany them can
completely destroy a small town in a couple of
hours. The energy that is released by a hurricane
in one day exceeds the total energy consumed
by mankind throughout the world in one year.

5. General statement: Hurricanes exert
tremendous power
Explanation of why hurricanes
exert tremendous power
are often a hundred miles in diameter
their winds can reach velocities of seventy-five miles
an hour or more.
can completely destroy a small town in a couple of
hours.
Its energy exceeds the total energy consumed by
mankind throughout the world in one year.