definition writing.pptVIP

Week 9Definition Writing Page 219 Development by Definition A definition is the enclosing of a wilderness of ideas within a wall of words. Warm-up Activity What’s the definition of “pride” in a dictionary? Is “pride” a positive or negative conception? What do you think of the concept of “pride”? Can you cite some examples? What can you conclude about “pride”? Why are some Exposition essays written in definition form? Is necessary when one uses a term that has various different meanings. Especially when its: Abstract (feelings / qualities) Ambiguous (more than 1 meaning) Controversial (topical) Definition Sample 1 A tornado may be identified as a strong dangerous wind which forms itself into an upside-down spinning cone and is able to destroy buildings as it moves across the ground. A rain forest is a forest in a tropical area which receives a lot of rain. Summary Three basic elements: A. the term to be defined B. the class the term belongs to C. the characteristics of the term Logical or formal definition (dictionary-based definition) Simple definition(synonyms) Term Class Characteristics tornado rain forest wind forest upside-down, spinning cone, highly destructive tropical area, lots of rain 2 Main Types of Definition Logical or Formal dictionary definition Extended or Informal further explains concept of the term Sample 2 (extended definition) What exactly is tornado? A tornado is usually formed on a hot, sticky day with south winds and an ominous sky. From the base of a thundercloud a funnel-shaped cloud extends a violently twisting spiral toward the earth. As it sucks in objects in its path, the twister may turn black, brown or occasionally even white (over snow). The moving cloud shows an almost continuous display of lightning. The funnel is very slender: its area of violence generally averages no more than 400 yards wide. As the tornado approaches, it is signaled by a roar of hundreds of jet planes or thou