What’s a motto? Defining terms and decoding vocabulary

Practice Prompt O What would you do first if given the following persuasive writing prompt: O “Each year the graduating class is assigned the task of selecting a class motto. Choose a motto that you believe represents your class. In a multiple-paragraph letter to your class advisor or principal, persuade him or her that your proposed motto is a ‘good fit’ for your class.”

“Unpacking” Vocabulary O What words in the prompt are unfamiliar to you? O Define those words as needed (using a dictionary) to determine their exact meaning. O Once you have defined key or unfamiliar terms, ask yourself, “What is the overall purpose of the writing task?” (“What am I being asked to do?”)

Using the dictionary: Motto O The definition of motto found in the dictionary is: O mot·to [mot-oh] noun, plural mot·toes, mot·tos. O 1. a maxim adopted as an expression of the guiding principle of a person, organization, city, etc. O 2. a sentence, phrase, or word expressing the spirit or purpose of a person, organization, city, etc., and often inscribed on a badge, banner, etc.

Additional definitions linked to Motto O Sometimes the definition may require you to look up additional words, such as “maxim”. O max·im [mak-sim] noun O 1. an expression of a general truth or principle, especially an aphoristic or sententious one: the maxims of La Rochefoucauld. O 2. a principle or rule of conduct.

Finding a definition that makes sense O Ultimately, you need to define terms in ways that make sense, so that you can respond to the prompt. O So, based on these definitions (motto, maxim, etc.), what IS a motto?

Some examples of mottos O National motto of the United States: O “E pluribus unum” O Latin for “Out of many, one” O Public Service mottos: O Boy scouts: “Be prepared” O National FFA Organization: “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Learning to Live, Living to Serve”

Some examples of mottos: O Police and public safety mottos: O Philadelphia Police Department: “Honor, Integrity, Service” O Los Angeles Police Department: “To Protect and to Serve” O Sports mottos: O Olympic Games: “Citius, Altius, Fortius” (Latin: Faster, Higher, Stronger)

Some examples of mottos: O Business mottos: O Microsoft: “Where do you want to go today?” O Adidas: “Nothing is impossible” O IBM: “Think” O Nike: “Just do it” O More mottos can be found at: