An explanation is not a second telling of the event. It answers the question why, by showing the step of thinking from what the character does to the quality you name.
This lesson belongs to evidence-led KOMSAS revision. A related skill is explaining character actions using textual evidence.
What is the action, inference and reason frame?
Write three short parts in one or two sentences. Each part does one job.
- Action: what the character does, in the text.
- Inference: the quality this points to.
- Reason: why the action points to that quality and not another.
The reason is the part that earns the marks. It is the link that makes the explanation your own.
Worked example with an original scene
This scene is invented. Adi’s grandfather, Pak Kassim, repairs a neighbour’s net for free each evening, even though his own eyesight is weak.
Action: he repairs the neighbour’s net each evening for free.
Inference: he is pemurah, meaning generous with his effort.
Reason: he gives time and effort without payment, and continues although his weak eyesight makes the task harder for him.
Written as an answer: “Pak Kassim pemurah. Dia membaiki pukat jirannya setiap petang tanpa bayaran walaupun penglihatannya lemah. Hal ini menunjukkan dia sanggup memberi tenaga tanpa mengharapkan balasan.”
The mistake that costs marks
The weak explanation restates the event: “Pak Kassim membaiki pukat jirannya, jadi dia pemurah kerana dia membaiki pukat.” The word “kerana” is present, but the reason only repeats the action.
The test is to cover the action and read the explanation alone. If it still says something new about the character, such as giving without expecting payment, it is a real reason.
| Weak explanation | Better explanation |
|---|---|
| Dia pemurah kerana dia membaiki pukat. | Dia pemurah kerana dia memberi tenaga tanpa bayaran. |
| Dia baik kerana dia membantu. | Dia bertimbang rasa kerana dia membantu walaupun dirinya sendiri lemah. |
Check yourself
Adi’s grandfather sits with the neighbour’s child during a storm and tells stories until the child sleeps. Write the frame for this action.
Answer
Action: he sits with the child during the storm and tells stories until the child sleeps. Inference: he is penyayang or prihatin. Reason: he chooses to comfort the child when it is frightened, which shows he cares about another person’s feelings and not only his own comfort.
What to study next
Go on to distinguishing a text-supported interpretation from an invented plot detail. Practise the frame on the claim, evidence and explanation revision desk.
For a teacher to ask the why question on your answers, see online one-to-one Bahasa Melayu tuition.