Definition

DS 014 WritingWeston Fall 2010

Today's Agenda

Sign-In Turn in Comparison/Contrast paragraph

with rough draft and peer reviews Intro to Definition Topic Sentences/Transitions for

Definition Writing Elements of an Effective Definition Assignment Coming Up...

Intro to Definition

Writing that clarifies or explains a subject is known as Definition Writing.

Definition Writing could be used to explain the qualities of a good coach, what makes a game your favorite, or what makes up a style of music or fashion.

Topic Sentences

Like any other type of writing, a topic sentence for definition writing introduces the subject to the reader.

In definition writing, however, sometimes the topic sentence itself will supply a “mini-definition.”

Examples of Topic Sentences for Definition

Writing “Hello. My name is Kim. I’m an online-aholic.” There.

I’ve said it. I guess I’ve been addicted for quite some time now, but I have just begun to realize it.

Terrorism has deep historical roots as a threat to peaceful existence of nations and common citizens.

People who sit home and watch ball games on television may think they know what school spirit is, but to my friends and myself, it has a whole different meaning.

Being a good parent takes a tremendous amount of energy, time, patience, and (most importantly) love.

Transitions Your text has a list of potential

transitions that may be useful in definition writing (p. 87).

Accordingly

Indeed

In addition

In fact

In other words

In the same way

On the whole

Specifically

Therefore

Thus

Elements of an Effective Definition

Definition has a simple pattern. Identify the general class to which the

term belongs. Give the special, distinguishing

characteristics. These two things create an effective

definition.

Examples

Hop-scotch is one of those sidewalk games that everyone remembers, though it has several different variations.

Friendship is one of those abstract terms of which everyone thinks they know the meaning—however, I have a very personal definition of what friendship means.

The Siamese belongs to the feline family but its markings set it apart from the rest.

Example Definition Paragraph I

The IAU has so far recognized five dwarf planets differentiated from planets by a parameter of “planetary discriminant” which allows estimating the capacity to dominate orbits. According to NationMaster Encyclopaedia dwarf planets follow orbits which are not free from other minor celestial bodies. Simultaneously, they always circulate the Sun and not other celestial objects (they are not satellites). Several dwarf planets have already been scrutinized effectively. Their physical properties have been calculated through routine Earth-based observations as well as advanced image-searching software. Since current data may not be entirely accurate, further examinations are undertaken by astronomers and physicists world-wide.

Read more at Suite101: Example of a Definition Paragraph: Definitions and Examples of Different Kind of Paragraphs http://www.suite101.com/content/example-of-a-definition-paragraph-a106752#ixzz14fRGu6sn

More Examples...

See Dev 075 Handout Five example paragraphs

Assignment

Using the graphic organizers provided, select three potential topics.

Fill out what you know. You can use the class computer to try to

look up what you don't know. Let me see what you've completed

before you leave so you can get credit for your work.

Coming Up...

Wednesday More on Definition

Friday Rough Draft due Peer Review day