5. How to Explain Concepts
In this lesson so far, we’ve focused on explaining procedures – things that can be broken into step-by-step instructions. But what about when we need to explain concepts – for example, black holes, or the internal networks in the human brain? Do these need a different approach?
a. Discuss these viewpoints. How far do you agree?
- To explain a concept, you should break it down into small, ‘bitesize’ bits of information or steps, just the same as in a ‘how to’ video.
- It’s better to make your explanation too easy than too hard.
- People generally don’t mind hearing something that they already know.
- It’s sometimes necessary to say something that’s not totally correct, because the correct explanation is too detailed and would confuse the listener.
- A good way to check that your listeners understand is to ask “Is this making sense to you?”
b. Comparative Reading
You’re going to read a mid-length text about how to explain things.
- Read text A or text B
- Find a partner who has finished reading the other text
- Summarise your text for your partner
- Then find two similarities and one difference in the advice given in the two texts.
Text A (B2 level) is a 10-point advice article written for trainee teachers at the San Diego State University: 10 Ways to explain things more effectively.
Text B (C1+ level) is an article from the TED organisation (a non-profit organiser of conferences and talks on many subjects): How to explain anything to anyone: 4 steps to clearer communication.
Englishin3d 
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Thank you so much, Gulmira! 🌟
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