Definition and Example Writing
What 'introductory device' is overused?
Beginning the essay with a dictionary-ish definition, while sometimes appropriate, is an overused technique; it has become cliched Sometimes it is more effective to begin with a description rather than a short definition
When using examples in an essay, what should you- as a writer- be aware of?
Do all examples support generalization? Are all examples detailed and thorough? Are all examples on topic and relevant Are sentences varied and united by effective transitions
Why do writers select/use examples, and what purpose do they serve?
Embodies nature of an entire group
What type of examples are most effective and why?
Examples from fact or personal experience
Define extended definition.
Expands on a basic dictionary-type definition (Extended definition)
What can an extended definition define?
Explain a word (poetry), a thing (a laser beam), a condition (schizophrenia), a concept (TV addict), or a general phenomena (the popularity of YouTube) Argue for a particular meaning of a word
Good Writers
Explain and support purpose with solid examples Provide depth and insight
When in need of more examples, where is the best place to find them? Explain.
In anything the writer knows Immediate knowledge Current experiences Conversations Observations Cater examples to audience
What series of questions (6) might you ask, prior to writing, to discover meaning?
Is the subject unique? In what different forms does it occur? When and where do we find the subject? What is at the present moment? What does it do? How is it put together?
How do specific examples enhance an essay?
Make examples concrete and specific Specific examples hold attention and make story worth listening to
When writing/revising a definition essay, what five areas/items should be included and reviewed?
Meaning- Is the subject explored fully? Development- Has an appropriate range of writing modes and methods been used? Thesis- Is the essay focuses throughout, with clear boundaries around the subject? Evidence- Is the essay supported with examples and effective description? Unity- Are paragraphs focused on the thesis? Are they unified with effective transitions? Are sentences focused on their paragraph's topic sentence?
Within an essay will one or two examples be enough? Explain.
One or two will only suggest a generalization Will not demonstrate generalization or achieve purpose Numerous examples must be used throughout
What is an example?
One thing selected from many
List important elements concerning evidence and paragraph/essay unity.
The writer must center all dea and evidence around a single controlling idea - a THESIS It's not essential to state the single, controlling idea in a thesis statement, although doing so lends clarity for inexperienced writers and for readers It *is* essential that the central idea govern the essay All definitions must be supported with examples and sensory detail Explicit description makes the subject real and relatable Effective transitions must be used by the writer to keep the essay from becoming disorganized and going "off track"
What question does your extended definition essay ultimately need to answer?
Ultimately, the writer must effectively answer the following question: What is the nature of this subject? The writer considers the answers to the questions on the previous slide to determine which writing method(s) will best accomplish his purpose
Bad Writers
Use too many examples without elaborating No depth or insight
