Springboard: Activity 1.12 Definition Strategies

Learning Target I can identify and apply definition strategies of function, example, and negation. I can form an initial definition of heroism.

Preview In this activity, you will learn and use various definition strategies and read an article about how one author defines a hero.

Notebook 9/29 1.12: Definition Strategies pg.

Function Describing the function of something is telling how something is used. The verb to function is to act or to operate as.

Negation To negate is to deny or make ineffective. The noun negation is to show what something is not in order to prove what it is.

Example Paragraphs using the example strategy use examples of the concept from texts or real life.

Definition Essay A type of expository writing that explains, or defines, what a topic means.

Adjective a word that describes a noun or pronoun.

Pronoun A word that replaces the noun. Examples: Betty=she Alex=he Alex & Betty= they

Noun names a person, place, thing, idea, or state of being.

Verb expresses action or a state of being.

Writing to Define For Embedded Assessment 2, you will be writing a definition essay to share your personal understanding of the concept of heroism. To write this definition of heroism, you will need various strategies and knowledge to create an expanded definition of the concept. First, you can expand your collection of words that describe heroes and heroism.

Verbs that could define what a hero does 1. Defining heroes: Generate a list of… Adjectives that could describe what a hero is: A hero is brave, courageous, self-sacrificing, fearless, etc. Nouns that could define what a hero shows A hero shows selflessness, bravery, fearlessness, determination, etc. Verbs that could define what a hero does A hero fights, perseveres, moves forward, sacrifices, thinks of others, etc.

2. After sharing and consulting additional resources such as a thesaurus, group and then sort synonyms by their part of speech to represent the nuances of the words (subtle differences in meanings). Choose 8 words (and its synonyms) to define on notecards with your group. Discuss the difference in meaning (nuances)

Learning Target I can identify and apply definition strategies of function, example, and negation. I can form an initial definition of heroism.

Defining a Concept Part of defining any concept is finding ways to describe the concept to make it clear to others. Writers of a definition essay use strategies of definition to clarify, develop, and organize ideas. The three definition strategies you will learn in this unit are function, example, and negation. Definition by function: Paragraphs using the function strategy explain how the concept functions or operates in the real world.

Definition by example: Paragraphs using the example strategy use specific examples of the concept from texts of life. Definition by negation: Paragraphs using the negation strategy explain what something is by showing what it is not. A non-example should be based on what someone else would say is an example. If no one would disagree with the negation it is ineffective.

3. Read the following passages of definition and decide whether they contain definition by function, example, and/or negation. There can be more than one strategy used in a passage. Be able to explain why you categorized ideas as you did. First underline the topic being defined. Then, decide the type of definition being used.

About the Author Oliver Stone, 1992

Setting a Purpose for Reading: First Read As you read, underline the author’s definition of heroism and the details the author gives to support his definition. Circle unknown words and phrases. Try to determine the meaning of words by using context clues, word parts, or a dictionary.

Second Reading Use your reading markers and annotate in the “my notes” section. Look for information related to the questions.

Key Idea and Details 4. What is the connection among the examples of heroes Stone lists in paragraph 5? They are all ordinary people making choices and taking risks to realize a larger, better sense of self.

Working from the Text 5. How is Stone’s definition of a hero different from the traditional idea of a hero as represented by the examples in paragraph 1? Stone’s definition of a hero includes “everyday, common people” who perform “simple acts of heroism” rather than leaders or influential people in history.

Working from the Text 6. State Stone’s definition of heroism in once concise statement. Stone defines heroes as common, ordinary people who daily act in virtuous, self- sacrificing ways to help others or themselves.

Working from the Text 7. How does Stone u7se the example strategy to support his definition? Cite textual evidence to support your analysis. Stone gives several examples of heroic actions that ordinary people perform every day, such as scientists searching for cures to disease or kids who refuse to join gangs. He also defines hero by function when he says that heroes try “to be greater than oneself,” “to grow,” and as “a higher human being.”

Working from the Text 6. How doe the final sentences provide a call to action and a final clarification of heroism? Stone ends with the idea of a “heroic impulse” toward growth and being greater than oneself. Stone calls for adults to allow the younger generation to continue to admire and strive for heroism and allow them to make the right choices in life that will lead them on a path to heroism.

Notebook: Entry Task Date Hero Research: Brainstorm

After Reading 9. The heroes mentioned by Oliver Stone are listed below. Choose one or think of one of your own. Do a quick search to determine what made the person a hero. George Washington General Custer Abraham Lincoln Teddy Roosevelt Martin Luther King, Jr. Clara Barton Florence Nightingale Joan of Arc Ron Kovic Mohandas Gandhi

Notebook Date Definition Strategies Web pg.

Beginning a Definition of a Hero 10. After reading and thinking about definition strategies and heroes, use the graphic organizer that follows to begin organizing your definition of a hero according to the three different strategies for definition: function, example, and negation. - This, along with the research web and quickwrite will serve as your prewriting for the essay.

Notebook Date CYU: Quickwrite pg. Please review your table of contents and put a * next to anything you can use for your essay.

Check Your Understanding Quickwrite: Describe a person you know or have read about who is a “hero.”