Textbook Tactics: Text

Speakers:

Nelson Oliveira

Jose Roman

ECH 2050

September 12, 2012

Introduction

Keep your audience entertain/focus!

Definition Description Classification/Division Comparison/Contrast Argument

Definition Categories!

Informal Definition: A word or brief phrase that gives only minimal

information about the term.

Formal Definition: A full sentence that distinguishes the term from other

similar terms.

Expanded Definition: A lengthy explanation that begins with a formal definition

and is developed into several paragraphs.

Informal Definition: Keep it Simple An informal definition will;

Appear after the term being defined.Be short (often as one-word Synonyms)Will give enough information to keep the

listener minimally informed.

Formal Definition: Appear in form of a sentence that lists:

I. The Term.II. The Class.III. The Features.

For Instance,Term Class FeaturesA pumper is a fire-fighting used to provide adequate apparatus pressure to propel streams of water toward a fire

Expanded Definition!used when listeners need more information!

Consist of a three-part structure:

1. An overview at the beginning

2. Supporting information in the middle

3. Brief closing remarks at the end

There are different ways to expand a definition like:

• Background and/or history of term• Applications • Lists of parts• Graphics• Comparison/contrast• Basic principle• Illustration

Choose the right location!

You have this five choices for location a definition:

1. In the same sentence as the term

2. In a separate sentence

3. In a footnote to a speech produced as text

4. In a glossary at the beginning or end of a speech produced as text

5. In an appendix at the end of a speech produced as text

Description

Remember your listeners’ Needs

Be accurate and objective

Choose an overall organization plan

Use “Helpers” like graphic and analogies

Classification

Grouping lists of items in categories , a process called “classification”. Separating an individual item into its parts is called “division”

Find a common basis Limit the number of gr Classify each item carefully

Division

Division begins with an entire item that must be broken down or partitioned into parts

Choose the right basis for dividing

Subdivide parts when necessary

Describe each part with care

Comparison/Contrast

Remember you purpose Establish clear criteria and use them

consistently Choose the “Whole-by-Whole” approach

for short comparison/contrats.

Comparison/Contrast

Choose the “Part-by-Part” approach for long comparison/contrasts

• I. Pushing Capacity• II. Puchase Details• III. Dependability

Use Illustrations

Argument

Use Evidence Correctly Choose the most Convincing order for

points Be logical

Argument

Avoid argumentative fallacies• Ad hominem• Circular reasoning• Either/or fallacy• False analogy• Hasty generalization• Non sequitur• Post hoc ergo propter hoc

Refute opposing arguments