September 24, 2013

Class Work

Today we are going to work on definitions. Of course you are familiar with a dictionary definition. However, there are other ways to show the reader what something means by providing excellent examples.

Consider the following:

• war
• peace
• love
• hate
• kindness
• wickedness
• abandon
• thrill
• a specific animal
• hero
• etc... add to the list until you find a word that brings a specific memory to mind.

For example, you might be touched by the word "kindness" because you can remember when someone did something above-and-beyond the call of duty for you. That story exemplifies "kindness."

Of course, you will want to use organization.

Patterns of organization :
http://faculty.washington.edu/ezent/impo.htm
(Handout)

Let's take a look at a couple of examples:
"Cruel Portion"
"Quiet Heroes"

Notice the organizational pattern of each.

What are other strengths in the writing?

What point of view is used?

Notice the length of each essay. To show the reader your definition, you need to elaborate. Make every word count.

For homework, use a narrative example to define a term. This is a draft. Please post in Canvas and be ready to share it on Thursday. (20 pts.)