What does the term 'explanation' signify in academic writing?

The term 'explanation' in academic writing signifies a description of how or why something happens. This is a critical component of scholarly work, as it goes beyond merely stating facts or summarizing content. An effective explanation aims to clarify concepts, demonstrate cause-and-effect relationships, and provide insight into the underlying principles of a topic. This approach encourages deeper understanding among readers, enabling them to grasp not just the information presented but also the reasoning behind it.

In contrast, while a statement of opinion might reflect personal beliefs, it lacks the objective analysis that an explanation provides. Presenting facts is essential in academic writing, but without the context of an explanation, the facts alone do not convey the complexity of a topic. Similarly, a summary of the main points may encapsulate content but does not delve into the nuances of how or why those points are significant, which is central to an explanation.