The test of a simple explanation
Original practice source: a commentary about explanation.
Trying to explain an idea plainly can reveal a gap hidden by familiar terms. A speaker may discover that they can name a process but cannot describe why one step follows another. The listener’s ordinary question becomes a useful test.
Simplicity can also be achieved by leaving out a difficulty the explanation needed to include. A smooth comparison may help someone begin while becoming misleading if treated as a complete account. Understanding may involve knowing where a simple version stops working, not only producing a version which sounds effortless.
A national newspaper is running an essay competition on the statement: “If you cannot explain something simply, you do not understand it.”
Write an essay for the competition arguing your view. You may use ideas from the source and your own ideas.
60 exam-style questions on Oxford AQA IGCSE English Language 2.2.1 Writing for audience and purpose. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.