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Definition

The document discusses definition as a pattern of paragraph development. It defines definition, explores the different types of definitions including formal, informal and definition paragraphs, and provides examples of each. The document also includes tips for writing definitions and has the reader practice defining terms.

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Joshua Lander Soquita Cadayona
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107 views26 pages

Definition

The document discusses definition as a pattern of paragraph development. It defines definition, explores the different types of definitions including formal, informal and definition paragraphs, and provides examples of each. The document also includes tips for writing definitions and has the reader practice defining terms.

Uploaded by

Joshua Lander Soquita Cadayona
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Definition

Reading and Writing


Skills
Learning Objectives
At the end of 1 hour session,
the students will have been
able to:
● Define definition as a pattern of
paragraph development.
Learning Objectives
At the end of 1 hour session,
the students will have been
able to:
● Identify the different ways to
define a word.
Learning Objectives
At the end of 1 hour session,
the students will have been
able to:
● Write a paragraph using
definition as pattern of
paragraph development.
“Define This”
Instructions:
Imagine/observe the classroom
setting.
Define “Classroom in your own
words.
You are only given 3 to 5
minutes to finish your task.
DEFINE
“CLASSROOM”
What is
Definition?
Definition
● Explains a concept, term or subject. Its main
purpose is, to tell what something is.

● It consists of three parts: (1) the term, concept


or subject to be defined: (2) the general class to
which it belongs; and (3) the characteristics
that differentiate it from the other members of
its class.
Definition

● A definition explains what a term means.


When you want your readers to know exactly
how you are using a certain term or an
unfamiliar concept, you use definition.
Definition
Definition is the main constituent of any dictionary. In
developing a paragraph by definition, you should take
account of these things.
A. The term to be defined – species
B. The class to which the term belongs - genus
C. The characteristics that distinguish the term from the
other members of its class. – differentia
Take a look at this example of a definition:

An owl is a bird with a large head, strong talons and


has a nocturnal habit.
● Owl – is the term to be defined (species)
● Bird – is the class where the owl belongs. (genus)
● with a large head, strong talons and has a nocturnal
habit. – are the characteristics that distinguish the
owl from the other birds. (differentia)
What are the
different types
of definition?
01
Formal Definition

The definitions
provided in
dictionaries
Example:
Comic books (species) are
sequential and narrative
publications (genus) consisting of
illustrations, captions, dialogue
balloons, and often focus on
super-powered heroes
(differentia)
02
Informal Definitions

The three common


informal definitions are
operational definitions,
synonyms, and
connotations.
Informal Definitions

A. Operational Definitions gives the meaning of an abstract


word for one particular time and place.
B. Synonyms or words that mean the same as another word.
C. Denotation is the exact meaning of the word.
D. Connotation is an idea or meaning suggested by or
associated with a word or things.
Example:
Freedom, also referred to as
liberty or independence, is a state
people reach when they are free
to think and do whatever they
please.
03
Definition Paragraph
It is a definition sentence which is
extended into a paragraph by
adding meanings, descriptions,
narrations, and other kinds of
paragraph development to make
clear the term being defined.
Example:
Racism
- A racist is not some one that accepts another person for
who they are, but rather pre judges them based on their
appearance or their skin color. The vast diversity of society
makes it nearly impossible to eliminate all racial tension. A
racist usually has no other reason to hate somebody except
for the fact that the other person may look different or have a
different skin color than them.
~Copyright 2005 Mike Sullivan~
Tips for Writing Definitions

● Avoid defining with "X is when" and "X is where"


statements. These introductory adverb phrases
should be avoided. Define a noun with a noun, a
verb with a verb, and so forth.
● Do not define a word by mere repetition or merely
restating the word.
"Rhyming poetry consists of lines that contain end
rhymes.“

 Better: "Rhyming poetry is an artform consisting


of lines whose final words consistently contain
identical, final stressed vowel sounds."
● Define a word in simple and familiar terms
● Your definition of an unfamiliar word should not
lead your audience towards looking up more
words in order to understand your definition.
● Keep the class portion of your definition small
but adequate
● Avoid adding personal details to definitions.
Let’s
Practice!
1. Many prisoners of war have been victims of
cruel and unusual punishment; people were
shocked and horrified when they learned of the
water torture, temperature extremes, and sensory
overloads that the prisoners were subjected to.
Answer:
INFORMAL DEFINITION
2. The Cornell University Law School website
defines cruel and unusual punishment (noun) as
"punishment that is extremely excessive in relation
to the crime, shocking to ordinary sensibilities, or
equivalent to torture.“
Answer:
FORMAL DEFINITION
“Fill Me Up”

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