Patterns in Confusing Explanations (jvns.ca)

Article summary

The article discusses 13 patterns that make explanations hard to understand, including making outdated assumptions about the audience's knowledge, having inconsistent expectations of the reader's knowledge, and using strained analogies. The author argues that being aware of these patterns can help writers avoid them and make their explanations clearer. The article also provides examples of how to improve explanations, such as using implicit metaphors and providing realistic examples. By recognizing and avoiding these patterns, writers can create more effective and engaging explanations.

Main themes

• clear explanations
• effective communication
• learning strategies
• technical writing
• analogies and metaphors
• audience awareness

What commenters say

• Some commenters found the list of patterns to be self-evident and not particularly insightful.
• Others appreciated the article's discussion of the importance of understanding the 'why' behind a concept, rather than just the 'how'.
• There was disagreement about the effectiveness of extended analogies in explanations, with some finding them helpful and others finding them confusing.
• Several commenters noted that asking 'why' can be a powerful way to learn and understand complex concepts, but can also be challenging in certain contexts.
• Some argued that providing a clear and concise summary of the main points at the beginning of an explanation is crucial for engaging the reader.
• Others suggested that learning by invention, or figuring out a concept through experimentation and discovery, can be a powerful way to learn and understand complex ideas.