-Definition- Tracing a Boundary

Our Purpose- Reading We will read various non-fiction essays that examine definition themes such as fatherhood, compassion, heritage, etc We will examine each of these essays in terms of various Definition/Example components We will read Mitch Albom’s ‘The Five People You Meet in Heaven’ in terms of defining the various themes throughout.

Love Sacrifice Friendship Family Confidence Strength Work Ethic Our Purpose- Writing The focus of our Definition-Example Essays will be on defining an abstract idea/concept using examples. For example: Love Sacrifice Friendship Family Confidence Strength Work Ethic

‘Jargon’- Tweet, IM, melanoma A Good Way to Begin…1 Clarify a subject and limit what needs to be written Help when basic terms may be in doubt Short definitions provide clarity for specific or technical terms that are likely to be misunderstood ‘Jargon’- Tweet, IM, melanoma

Extended Definition & Purpose 2 Writing that tries to show a reader its subject by establishing boundaries around it Differentiates a subject by showing what it is and what it is NOT What makes ‘X’ what it is and is not

Extended Definition- Define and Take 3 Extended Definitions- Can define a word, a thing, a concept, a general phenomenon, etc. Take ‘room’- usually an essay (length and latitude)

Purpose and Questions 4 Extended Definition Purpose To fully explain a topic or its meaning To argue a particular meaning Is the subject unique? When/where is it found? In what different forms does it occur? What is it at present? What does it mean/do? How is it put together?

Over-used Introductory Device 5 The ‘Dictionary-ish’ definition device is Way overused and Totally cliché. Ultimately, an extended definition should answer: ‘What is the nature of the subject?’

Extended Definition Troubles 6 Extended definition essays are long! Writers need to stay focused and on task.

Sensory Imagery / Essay Unity 7 All definitions need to be supported with examples and sensory detail. Explicit description makes your subject real and relatable Don’t stray from your topic- use effective ‘transitions’ to stay on task.

Five Items to Include 8 Meanings- Have you explored your subject fully? Modes- Are you using various modes? Thesis- Is your essay focused throughout? Support- Is your essay supported with examples and effective description? Unity- Are your paragraphs focused? Are they unified with effective transitions

-Example- Pointing to Instances

Example- Definition & Purpose 1 One ‘thing’ selected from among many An instance that reveals a whole type Examples show the nature or character of the group from which it is taken They serve as generalization

Good vs. Bad Writers 2 Good Writers Bad Writers Explain and support their purpose with solid examples and generalizations Depthful and insightful; balanced Use too many examples but do not elaborate No depth or insight

How Many Examples? 3 One or two will only suggest ‘generalization’ about your topic. One or two examples will Not demonstrate your ‘generalization’ for your readers Need to use numerous examples throughout your essay to support your generalization.

Where to Find Examples? 4 In anything/everything you ‘know’ Your immediate knowledge Your current experiences Conversations Observations Cater examples to your Audience

The Most Effective Examples 5 Examples from Fact or Personal Experience They make your examples more concrete and specific Specific examples hold your reader’s attention and make your ‘story’ worth listening to

Writer Beware! 6 Make sure your all of your examples support a generalization Make sure all of your your examples are detailed/thorough Make sure your examples are on topic and that they are relevant Make sure your sentences are varied and that they are united by effective transitions