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In this activity, we are going to be looking at explanation texts.
As well as instructions, recounts and non-chronological reports, explanation texts are a type of non-fiction text.
Explanation texts explain something by telling us how or why it happens. They can also give us helpful information about how to do something. Be careful not to confuse explanations with instructions, which give us steps on how to do something without much explaining why we are doing each step.
Here are some features of explanation texts:
- Technical vocabulary linked to the topic
- Written in the present tense
- Written in chronological order
- An introduction paragraph at the start
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.
In this activity, we’ll be answering questions about the explanation text below. Read it very carefully!
How to care for your hot tub
A popular addition to many patios, decking and back gardens, hot tubs are becoming increasingly popular. Many of us like to take a calming, warm dip in the water after a tiring 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 in your chosen location, you should follow these helpful steps to keep your tub spotless and looking crystal clear.
Before each use
If you are planning on using your hot tub, make sure you turn the heater pump on several hours beforehand. When you are ready to get in, use a skimmer net to scoop out any leaves or floating debris. You wouldn’t want green muck sticking to your body whilst trying to unwind. This is a crucial 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 appropriate level. If one of the chemicals is too low, add a capful of the chemical into the water. If you turn the hot tub bubbles on, the chemical will mix with the water faster.
Weekly care
If you are using your hot tub frequently, it’s recommended 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 straightforward to use as it doesn’t need to be plugged into a power source 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 wash any dirt away. 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 tasks might seem strenuous but they will make sure your hot tub lasts for numerous 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. Dry the inside of the hot tub before refilling it so that it looks wonderfully shiny.
Now all the hard work is out of the way, you can enjoy your hot tub for many years.
