Explication de texte is a method of close textual analysis originating in French education, where it has been a staple of literature and language instruction since the 19th century. In language teaching, it involves the systematic, line-by-line analysis of a literary or expository text: examining vocabulary, grammar, rhetorical structure, style, tone, and cultural context in depth.
The teacher selects a short passage (typically a poem, prose excerpt, or speech). Students work through it systematically:
The analysis is conducted in the target language, developing both linguistic competence and literary-critical thinking simultaneously.
The method develops close reading skills, vocabulary depth, and awareness of how language creates meaning, skills valuable for advanced learners. However, it is inherently teacher-centred, works only with literate and relatively proficient learners, and prioritises receptive analysis over productive communication. It has more in common with literary criticism than with modern communicative language teaching.
Explication de texte remains part of French education but is not a mainstream ELT method. Its influence persists wherever intensive reading and text analysis are used in advanced language classes.