1. 定义法(definition)
定义法是用下定义的方式去揭示事物本质特征或概念内涵。它能使读者迅速抓住本质属性和基本特点。此法的句型：
① … is a/the … of … which/that …② … relate to/involve/refer to …
【例】
(1)Language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols which is used for human communication. 语言是人类用来交际的任意性的语音符号体系。
(2)Intermediate goals relate to outcomes during the next few years.
(3)Short-term goals involve outcomes expected during the next 12 months.
2. 举例法(illustration)
举例法就是举出实际事例来说明事物的方法，是最常见，往往也是最有效的阐释模式。
提醒
举例时应挑选具体、典型且有能力表达清楚的例子，并注意按照一定的顺序编排。
请看上述范文第二段：“For instance”引出“lifetime goals”的实例，如，赢得研究奖金、出版有影响书或文章、获得大学的系主任职位、获得国家自然科学基金及大公司稳定的顾问职位。
3. 分类法(classification)
分类法就是把说明的对象，按一定的标准划分成不同类别分别加以说明的方法。如：上述范文介绍人生的三种目标，并按照时间的长短对终生目标、长期目标和短期目标做了分类说明。
4. 比较法(comparison)
比较法是用一个事物和与其有联系的其他事物加以对比的说明方法。目的是为了帮助读者准确地区分事物，通过对比达到对该事物的深刻认识。
如：上述范文对三种人生目标在时间上和实际操作上进行了比较，并阐明了彼此的联系。
(1)Lifetime goals should be written out.
(2)Like lifetime goals, these are measurable and clearly stated.
(3)These goals are more performance oriented, and they help with achievement of intermediate goals.
5. 数字法(statistics)
数字法是运用数据来表明事物的本质和特点，准确合理的数据使文章精确可信。
【例】
(1)Nearly half of all Americans over age 20 wear a bridge or denture，and more than 20 percent have complete upper and lower denture. By age 50, one out of every two persons has gum disease.
(2)And it seems sensible to wait. One quarter of all marriages between people under twenty-one end in porce. In Britain in 1972, there were 124,248 porces.
说明文的说明方法除上面介绍的常见的几种以外，还有诸如分项法、列举法、比喻法及引用法等，只有综合运用多种说明方法，才能多角度、多层次地全面、清晰、准确地展示客观事物的本来面貌。
