Characteristics of Definition Essays

Seeing the Pattern (396-399)

Single sentence

3 part structure• Term• Class (group the term belongs to)• Distinguishing Characteristics or Qualities

Example: A pineapple

is a tropical plantthat has large sword-like leaves

and yellow edible fruit.

Simple Definition

3 part defintion

The term The class to which the term belongs The characteristics that distinguish the

term from all others in its class

3 part defintion

The term: wedding band The class: jewelry Distinguishing characteristics or qualities:

• Ring• Often made of gold• Given to marriage partners on wedding day

Writing Standard Definitions Specific Term NOT part of definition itself Enough distinguishing characteristics

• Example: worn on hands (gloves, mittens, rings)

Characteristics not too limiting • Example: bacon served at breakfast

(Page 397)

Include a Brief Definition of Term Truthiness

Specific and Focused Lots of details

• What it is• How it functions• Why it’s important

Doesn’t stray from topic

Makes a Point Why do we need to

know about this term?

Uses other Patterns of Development Narration

• Anecdotes• Scenarios

Description Division and

Classification (we’ll learn about that next)

Outline Your TermDenotation Connotation

Description Examples/Anecdotes

Includes the 3-part formal definition Uses examples

• Anecdotes—narrative• Details—descriptive• Can use negation

It’s NOT this, or this, but it is more like this. Considers Denotation and Connotation

Extended Definition

Using Negation Addresses

Misconceptions• Many people believe

that lemongrass is inedible, but it is actually a flavorful seasoning.

Tells what it is NOT• Not the opposite• Think: close, but not

quite

Example: roller blading is different from roller skating

Denotation Dictionary Definition

• What a word means• Could include word history

Example

An apple is the fleshy usually rounded red, yellow, or green edible fruit of a usually cultivated tree of the rose family.

Connotation Meanings associated with a word

• What words/images/ideas are associated with apple?

Frenemy Friend + Enemy = Frenemy

How do we know if we have a frenemy?

What are some characteristics of a frenemy?

What are the consequences of having a frenemy?