Today is rung 5 of 12 on this topic
Explaining something clearly
Can do: Writes an informative piece with clear organisation, defined terms and relevant examples.
Why it matters
Explaining is the test of understanding. Confused writing is nearly always confused thinking, and it's much easier to spot on paper.
What it looks like when it's wobbly
Assumes the reader already knows the topic, so terms go undefined and the piece only makes sense to someone who didn't need it.
⏱️ Two-minute check
"Explain how something works to someone who knows nothing about it."
Solid looks like: Terms defined on first use, and a logical order.
The full activity for this topic · 20 minutes
Explain It to a Ten-Year-Old
- 1Pick something they genuinely understand — a game, a sport, a process from science.
- 2Write the explanation for someone four years younger.
- 3Circle every technical term and check each is defined the first time it appears.
- 4Add one analogy or example.
- 5Test it on an actual younger person and note exactly where they got lost.
If it's too hard
Explain one step of a process in a single paragraph.
If it's too easy
Explain something abstract — inflation, natural selection — without jargon.
Say this
"You used that word without explaining it. Would your cousin know what it means?"