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In this activity, we are going to be looking at explanation texts.
An explanation text is a type of non-fiction text. Non-fiction texts are based on facts.
Explanation texts explain something by telling us how or why it happens. They can also give us helpful information about how to do something. These are more than just a simple set of instructions as they explain why we are doing each step.
Here are some features of explanation texts:
- They explain how something works
- They are written in the present tense.
- They are written in chronological (time) order.
Here are some titles of explanation texts:
How to run a marathon
Why dogs walk on four legs
Why turtles lay their eggs in the sand
How toothpaste is made
What do you notice about the titles here?
They all begin with the words how or why. Lots of information texts have titles beginning with these two words.
Read the explanation text below.
Can you see how the title begins with the word ‘how’?
How to Care for Your Hot Tub
Now a popular addition to many patios and back gardens, hot tubs are a great way to unwind at home. Many of us like to take a calming, warm dip in the water after a busy day at work. So how do we look after these relaxing, warm, bubble pools so that they stay clean and last longer? Once you’ve filled and perfectly positioned your hot tub outside your home, you should follow these helpful steps to keep your tub clean and looking crystal clear.
Before each use
If you are planning on using your hot tub, make sure you turn the heat pump on beforehand. When you are ready to get in, use a pool skimmer net to scoop out any leaves or floating grass. You wouldn’t want green gunk sticking to your body whilst trying to unwind. This is an important part of hot tub care as stray grass and leaves can make the water turn cloudy and block the filter. Once the water is free from dirt, dip a test strip in the water to check all of the chemicals are at the correct level. If one of the chemicals is too low, add a small amount of the chemical into the water. Now, your hot tub is ready for use
Weekly care
If you are using your hot tub regularly, it’s a good idea to give it a weekly clean with a spa vacuum. A spa vacuum, often called a spa vac, is a special piece of equipment that can suck all the dirt away from the bottom of the hot tub. This fantastic piece of equipment is really easy to use as it doesn’t need electricity so you can just grab it and go. The filter of the hot tub also needs cleaning on a weekly basis as dirt can block the filter and stop it from cleaning the water as effectively. You can use a filter cleaning spray to do this as well as using a hose to clean it out. Finally, you’ll need to add some more chlorine tablets into your tablet feeder to maintain the chemical levels of the tub.
Every 3-6 months
These final tasks might seem like a lot of effort but they will make sure your hot tub lasts for many years. Every three to six months, completely drain the water from your hot tub. Old water can’t store as many chemicals as fresh water so if you do not replace the water in your tub, it will become dirty. Once the tub is empty, give it a really good clean inside and out.
In this activity, we will be answering questions on this explanation text.
