Activity 1.15: Negation Strategy Definitions Springboard– 8th Grade Activity 1.15: Negation Strategy Definitions

Learning Target I can examine and analyze examples of the negation strategy of definition. I can apply the negations strategy to a new topic.

Before reading 1. Review the negation definition strategy. Paragraphs using the negation strategy explain what something is by showing what it is not. Pointing out what the subject is not can make what it is clearer to the reader. For example, here is an excerpt from a definition of a horse that uses the negation strategy: A horse, a zebra, and a mule, though look alike in many ways, have significant differences. A horse, unlike a zebra, can be tamed and trained. And unlike a mule, which is a sterile beast of burden, a horse is a valued breeder of future generations of racing champions and hard-working ranch animals.

Negation example from 1.12 “It’s always seemed odd to me that nonfiction is defined, not by what it is, but by what it is not. It is not fiction. But then again, it is also not poetry, or technical writing or libretto. It’s like defining classical music as nonjazz.

preview In this activity, you will read a definition essay about the concept of a “gentleman” and evaluate how the author used the negation strategy.

Setting a purpose for reading First Reading Circle unknown words and phrases. Use the words around it to help identify the meaning. Second Reading Metacognitive Reading Markers Annotations Preview text-dependent questions

Discussion Sentences 2, 4, and 5 contain statements of what a gentleman is not. Quote them. Statements as to what a gentleman is not: “Seldom prominent in conversation.” “Never wearisome.” “Never speaks of himself.” “Never defends himself by a mere retort.” “Has no ears for slander or gossip.” “Never mean or little.” “Never takes unfair advantage.” “Never mistakes personalities or sharp sayings for arguments.” “[Never] insinuates evil.”

Discussion What do you notice about the beginning of the paragraph? It begins with positive examples of the gentleman’s function in society. How does the paragraph develop? Sentence 1 explains the function of a gentleman in society in positive terms. Sentence 2 ends by presenting some negative examples, but it is not until sentence 4 that Newman expands and extends his definition with use of negation. Sentence 5 completes the negation section. Sentence 6 comes full circle back to positive. How many sentences is the paragraph? The paragraph is only six sentences long.

Text Dependent question 2. How does negation make this portrait of a gentleman clearer and more extensive? By providing examples, a definition can set up a contrast between what is and what is not, which explains a definition and makes it clearer. “He never speaks of himself unless compelled” gives a more complex picture than a humble person.

Check your understanding In the textbook make a T-chart. Label one side “A Gentleman,” and label the other side “NOT a Gentleman.” Fill in the T-chart accordingly.

Notebook Date Negation Paragraph pg.

Writing to sources: Explanatory text Expository Writing Prompt: Write about what heroism is not. Use the negation strategy to distinguish what heroism is from what it is not. Be sure to: Begin with a topic sentence that answers the prompt. Provide supporting detail and commentary to develop ideas. Use transitions to create coherence.

Negation example A true hero is a person who is humble and yet goes beyond what is expected. A hero does not expect reward or recognition for his actions. He runs into a burning building because it is the right thing do, not because he expects the attention of the media and the praise of the world for his actions. A hero does not give up the quest when the challenge becomes difficult. A hero is not someone who is simply more talented than the next man or woman. A hero is the ordinary man or woman who acts to benefit others, not himself.