Definition Writing

A lecture about Definition writing with prewriting and outlining exercises. For use with Sherman Alexie's essay "Superman and Me."

1. Definition Writing Steps Chap 4

2. Definition Definition Writing— writing that tells what a specific term means. Extended Definition— a definition that conveys the author’s attitude toward the term and his or her purpose for defining the term .

3. Formal Definitions Definitions follow a three part structure: Term + Class + D ifferentiating Qualities Discrimination is a behavior that tries to deny certain rights or privileges to an entire group of people because the group differs in appearance, belief, or actions from the majority of the community.

4. *Circle the term, Underline the Class , and Double Underline the Differentiation . Terrorism is a form of political violence intentionally aimed at civilians for the purpose of creating fear in a whole population. A sonnet is a lyrical poem made up of fourteen lines and usually built on a traditional rhyme scheme. A browser is a software program used to look at various resources on the Internet. A primary is an election in which each party chooses a candidate to run in the general election.

5. Important Features Thesis statement should formally define the term to be discussed AND make clear the purpose of the definition. Do not use dictionary definitions! The definition reflects your opinion about what the term means and encompasses, NOT Merriam-Webster’s .

6. Important Features To support your definition, use examples to make your term and meaning clear and relatable to readers. “An example of discrimination might occur in…” You may also use an e xample of what the definition is not . Use descriptions to show what your term may look like (closely related to examples).

7. Definition Example Read the example definition. Identify the following features of definition writing: Thesis statement—extended definition Topic sentences—one for each part of definition Descriptions Examples or non-examples Conclusion

8. “Superman and Me” Read Sherman Alexie’s essay “Superman and Me” in Exploring Writing p 585-587. Write your answers to these questions in your notes. According to Alexie , how are Indians stereotyped? How does Sherman Alexie subvert the stereotype? How does he teach students to subvert the stereotype?

9. Definition Prewriting Write a list or a cluster of stereotypes that you have been labeled as; for example, arrogant, snobbish, brainy, nerdy, ditzy, incompetent, timid, etc. Choose 2-3 of the stereotypes you’ve been labeled as and either list, cluster, or freewrite about them: who labeled you as this stereotype? What expectations are associated with this stereotype? Do you fit this stereotype? Why or why not? Choose one stereotype that you might want to write an essay about. We will discuss your choice and what to do with it on Thursday .

10. Extended Definitions Now that you have thought about the stereotype you would like to write about, write an extended definition of the stereotype that will act as your thesis statement. Term + Class + Differentiating Qualities A geek is a person who is too smart with computers, too devoted to one fan-base, and too quirky for social situations .