1. Grasp the characteristics of the described object.
When writing explanatory articles, we must have a deeper understanding of the explanatory objects, that is, grasp the characteristics of the explanatory objects. What are the characteristics of things? Characteristics are the signs and symbols that distinguish one thing from other things, that is, the unique personality of the thing. Often manifested in two aspects: first, explicit features, such as color, texture, spatial position, shape, temperature and so on. ; Second, hidden characteristics, such as causes, principles, changing process, internal structure, habits, performance, style and so on.
How to grasp the characteristics of things? We must start from the following aspects.
First of all, we must observe carefully. Through careful, repeated and profound observation, we can see, hear, taste, smell and touch the things to be explained with the sensory organs such as eyes, ears, mouth, nose, body and skin, and we can also do experiments when necessary to accurately and comprehensively grasp the characteristics of things. Second, we should think deeply. By comparing the object of explanation with similar things in many aspects, screening relevant information, deeply analyzing their similarities and differences, and grasping the "difference", we can grasp the characteristics of things and grasp the key points of explanation. Third, we should pay attention to accumulation, broaden our life horizons and reading scope, constantly enrich our knowledge, accumulate writing materials, pay attention to the acquisition of indirect experience, and improve our rational understanding.
2. Reasonably arrange the explanation sequence.
There are three interpretation orders: chronological order, spatial order and logical order. When writing expository articles, it is often based on a sequence. Of course, in specific applications, sometimes the phenomenon of overlapping interpretation sequence combinations occurs. For example, the stone arch bridge in China adopts logical sequence when explaining the structural characteristics of Zhao Zhouqiao, and adopts time sequence when explaining the brilliant achievements of the stone arch bridge in China. Reasonable arrangement of interpretation order, first, we should consider the structural characteristics of the things to be explained (up and down, left and right, the composition of internal and external parts) and the internal logical relationship of things; Second, we should consider the general order of people's understanding of things (from shallow to deep, from individual to general, from concrete to abstract, etc.). ); Third, we should consider the relationship between the explanation center and the materials.
Generally speaking, the order of explaining things is as follows:
(1) If the process of development and change of things is explained in the order of "time", it can be traced back from ancient times to the present or from the present to the present.
(2) If it is to explain the orientation and morphological characteristics of things, the order of "space" is adopted. It can be from near to far, from far to near, from left to right, from south to north, from low to high and so on.
(3) In order to clarify some operation procedures, we should take "procedures" as the order, that is, explain them one by one according to the order of operation behavior, so as to facilitate readers to operate step by step and accurately.
(4) If the purpose of explanation is to explain things, it is necessary to adopt a "logical" order: generally, the order is arranged according to causality and primary and secondary relations.
3. Appropriate interpretation methods should be adopted.
Proper explanation can make things clearer and easier for readers to understand. Proper use of expository writing is an important symbol to measure the level of expository writing. For example, to explain the long sunshine time in desert areas, it is said that "the sunshine time there is long, reaching 3000 hours a year, while the Yangtze River basin is only 1500 hours and North China is only 2500 hours." By enumerating and comparing the data, we can vividly highlight the problem of long sunshine time in desert areas. For another example, in order to show that water is not white, you can compare water with soybean milk. Compared with soybean milk, white soybean milk is not water. Water, no color at all.
Common explanation methods include: example, classification, analogy, enumerating data, comparison, definition, explanation, imitation, drawing charts and so on. You should choose flexibly according to your written requirements.
4. The language should be accurate, concise and popular.
The accuracy of explaining language is the premise of explaining things. Express time, space, quantity, scope, degree, nature, procedure, etc. All require accuracy.
The language of the explanatory text should be accurate, not necessarily using exact figures, but also using approximate figures. For example, "about", "about", "possibility" and "estimation" can also reflect the accuracy of the interpretation language.
On the premise of accuracy, the language style of expository writing can be both plain and vivid. For example, the use of metaphor, personification, dialogue, self-report, storytelling and other explanation methods can enhance the vividness of the explanation language.
"Nothing is difficult in the world, if you put your mind to it", as long as you master the writing essentials of expository essays carefully, you will be able to write excellent expository essays!