1. Analytical Thinking and Writing In All Subject Areas
Expository Text Structure:
Concept-Definition
(Descriptive)
Concept-definition is called “descriptive” on state tests. Students and teachers should use both terms interchangeably.
Click on the hyperlink to show the video as a “hook.” Concept-definition is called description on MCT2. Teachers should use both terms during instruction, and teachers and students should use the terms interchangeably.

2. What does a concept-definition text look like?
In a concept-definition text, the writer provides their personal (but factually correct) understanding of a particular concept or term. The concept-definition essay conveys what the writer’s research, understanding, and experience have taught the writer about the concept or term.
Distribute copies of sample concept-definition essays.

3. Tool for Concept-Definition
What are its
properties?
What is it?
Term or concept
What is it
different
from?
Examples
Circle Map

4. Order of Operations for Essay Writing
Begin with your topic.
Brainstorm on a Thinking Map, jot list, etc.
Analyze and summarize information on the Thinking Map, etc. to determine your thesis statement.
Use information on Thinking Map, etc. to determine supporting ideas and write topic sentence for each idea.
Find supporting evidence to explain supporting ideas in detail in the body paragraphs.
Incorporate transitions to combine and explain your ideas.
Write your conclusion (rewrite the thesis, revisit main points from body paragraphs and hook).
Write your hook (tells why we care, states thesis).

5. Begin with a topic: What is a tsunami?
Using the Writing Order of Operations in Science
Begin with a topic:
What is a tsunami?
Walk students through an example of using the writing order of operations for concept-definition.

6. 2. Brainstorm on a Circle Map.
What are its
properties?
What is it?
can travel for
many miles in
the ocean, caused
by displacement of water, destructive,
deadly
huge wave
caused by
earthquake
at sea
tsunami
Haiti
Samoa
hurricane
Students should use the Concept-Definition Analysis for Circle Map sheet included in the module handouts for brainstorming.
What is it
different
from?
Examples

7. 3. Analyze the Circle Map and create a thesis statement.
Tsunamis are huge waves of deadly force.
Remember: The thesis statement is the
most important element of the essay!

8. Tips for Writing a Concept-Definition Essay
Introduction
Hook (How will this concept-definition essay help someone better understand what the concept is AND why is understanding the concept important in the big picture?
Thesis statement (provides a summary definition of the concept)

9. The Body Writers need solid supporting ideas to develop an argument.
Each paragraph should be focused on a single idea that supports the thesis.
HOWEVER, write as many paragraphs as needed to support the thesis.

10. The Body
Avoid using the phrases “is where” and “is when” in the definition.
Avoid circular definitions (repeating the defined term within the predicate, the definition itself: “A computer virus is a virus that….”)

11. Concept-Definition Transitions Use transition words to help the reader follow the flow of ideas.
process
explanation
issues
characteristics
properties
is like/unlike
is characterized by
different from
is known as
examples are
described as
looks like
attributes
are
functions like
description
for instance
These should be posted in the classroom for students to use as a reference in their reading and writing.

12. The Essay’s Conclusion
Restate the thesis statement using different wording and/or;
Revisit the main points from the body paragraphs and/or;
End on some memorable thought, such as a relevant quotation, interesting twist of logic, or some call to action that is related to the hook.
Use the annotated concept-definition essays and the concept-definition writing rubric included in the module handouts for students to analyze. These will serve as models for their own writing and will help them become analytical readers