A Contemporary Theory of Explanatory Writing

Written Communication Jan 1988

A Contemporary Theory of Explanatory Writing

KATHERINE E. ROWAN

Abstract

Explaining difficult concepts to lay readers is an important discursive goal, and yet frequently the quality of explanatory writing is poor. One reason for this poor quality is that the discursive form itself is not well understood. Some studies have identified textual features of effective explanations; however, theoretical characterizations of explanatory discourse are either unnecessarily narrow or overly general. Consequently, this essay offers a new theory of explanatory discourse that is intended to guide analyses of and stimulate improvements in explanations designed for mass audiences. The theory defines explanatory discourse in terms of a particular goal; promoting understanding for lay readers of some phenomenon. This goal is distinguished from those of promoting awareness of new information, proving a claim, or encouraging agreement with a claim. The utility of the theory is demonstrated by showing how it (1) identifies those research literatures most relevant to improving the quality of written explanations, (2) organizes existing findings on explanatory effectiveness in a way that resolves controversies in the literature, and (3) suggests principles for pedagogy pertaining to explanatory writing.

Journal: Written Communication
Published: 1988-01-01
DOI: 10.1177/0741088388005001002
Open Access: Closed
Topics: multimodality multilingual writers

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (5)

Kline et al. (2008)

Procedural Explanations in Mathematics Writing

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Chambliss et al. (2003)

Fourth Graders Composing Scientific Explanations About the Effects of Pollutants

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Rowan (1991)

When Simple Language Fails: Presenting Difficult Science to the Public

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
ROWAN (1990)

Cognitive Correlates of Explanatory Writing Skill

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Rowan (1989)

Moving beyond the <i>What</i> to the <i>Why</i>: Differences in Professional an…

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

Cites in this index (6)

FAHNESTOCK (1986)

Accommodating Science

Written Communication
KROLL (1986)

Explaining How to Play a Game

Written Communication
CONNORS (1985)

The Rhetoric of Explanation

Written Communication
CONNORS (1984)

The Rhetoric of Explanation

Written Communication
Richardson (1984)

The Changing Role of Periodicals in Scientific-Technical Communication

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

Show all 6 →

Hillocks et al. (1983)

Teaching Defining Strategies as a Mode of Inquiry: Some Effects on Student Writing

Research in the Teaching of English

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