1. Definitions and Descriptions
Prepared by Prof. Quijano
University of Texas at Arlington

2. Definition Explain terms or concepts that are specialized.
These terms might be unfamiliar to those without a deep knowledge in the field.
Ludology
Stemocleidomastid
ABC (aspiration, biopsy, cytology)

3. Variability of Definitions
Definitions can change depending on the field.
Consider: Atmosphere
In meteorology
In a party
In politics
In geology
In literature

4. Audience and Purpose
Definitions make documents usable by answering “what, exactly, is it?”
You need to tailor your definition to your audience.
Technical: “A solenoid is an inductance coil that serves as a tractive electromagnet”.
Non-Technical: A solenoid is a metal coil that converts electrical enery to magnetic energy.

5. Implications – Legal, Ethical, Social
Precise definitions are essential because of legal reasons. The creator is responsible for the document.
Think of concepts like “acceptable job performance”.
Terms like “acceptable risk” or “moderate threat” have ethical implications.
Think of Trayvon Martin and the Florida “Stand your Ground” law.
Definitions can also impact society.
Think of terms like “global warming” or “Genetic Engineering”.

6. Types of Definitions Parenthetical Definition Sentence Definition
Expanded Definitions
Expanded Etymology (word’s origins)
Expanded History
Expanded Negation
Expanded Operating Principle
Expanded Analysis of Parts
Expanded Visuals
Expanded Comparison and Contrast (Old and New Info)
Expanded Required Conditions
Expanded Examples

7. Practice Exercise
As a group, think of a concept. Come up with an expanded technical definition and an expanded layperson definition.

8. Descriptions

9. Elements of Descriptions
Forecasting Title (the more specific the better)
Orientating Introduction (purpose)
Sequence of Topics
Looks: Spatial
Function: Functional
Assembly: Chronological
Visuals
Conclusion

10. Strategies Look at the product or process Analyze Audience
Analyze Purpose (look / purpose / assembly)
Be objective
Be concise
Include all sections
Include visuals

11. Class Activity: Choose a product
Identify Audience and their Level of Understanding
Create a Description Document

12. Summaries

13. Summary: a restatement of the main ideas in a longer document
Summary: a restatement of the main ideas in a longer document. They’re used to convey the general meaning of the ideas in the original source without all the specific details or examples that appear in the original. Summaries will always be written in your own words. And should generally be no more than 20% in length of your original document.

14. Your audience: people who don’t have time to read your entire document and only need the “big picture”. Provide an overview and the essential facts only.

15. 3 things your summary should do for your reader:
Describe, in short form, what the original document said
2. Help readers decide whether to read the entire document, parts of it, or none of it.
3. Give readers a framework for understanding the full document that will follow if they do plan to read it.

16. Elements of an effective summary
Accuracy Completeness Conciseness Non-technical style

17. Steps for Creating a Summary
Step 1. Read original document Step 2. Reread and mark essential material Step 3. cut and paste key information Step 4. Redraft the information into your own organizational pattern and words Step 5. Edit your draft Step 6. Compare your version with the original document

18. Special types of summaries
Closing summaries
Informative abstracts
Descriptive abstracts
Executive summaries

19. Ethical Considerations
“In a summary of someone else’s writing, the tone or “voice” of the original author often disappears- along with that writer’s way of seeing. Be careful that you not only carry the essential facts into your summary, but that in the process of condensing you don’t distort the original writers intent.”

20. Ethical Considerations
“A condensed version of a complicated document may provide a useful overview, but this superficial treatment often fails to communicate the document’s full complexity- that is, the complete story… during the selection process [of what stays and what goes] the original message could very well be distorted.” Remember: The more complex the tone, the more that the reader needs the full document.

21. Class Activity Find an article (non-academic) related to your field.
Write a summary.