Definition Paragraphs

1. Definition Paragraphs

2. What is the Purpose? • To expand a definition by giving further explanation and examples. When will you write this type of paragraph? • As part of an essay, especially in natural & health sciences and humanities • As part of a test there may be questions asking for definitions of terms

3. What does a successful definition paragraph look like? • Topic sentence: Topic (term to be defined)+ general noun+ an adjective clause • The adjective clause gives the focus of the paragraph – the controlling idea • Body • Explanation • Examples • Conclusion – refer back to the topic sentence

4. Unity & Coherence • How do we create unity? • Focus on explanations that develop and expand the definition • Focus on examples that are clear and precise • How do we enhance coherence • Using transitions that illustrate: • Explanation - • Examples -

5. Example Paragraphs Cholera Cholera is an intestinal infection that can be described according to its cause, symptoms, and treatment. A bacterium, called Vibrio cholera, is the causative agent of cholera. It can be spread through contaminated food, water, or feces. Cholera patients may exhibit different symptoms that can vary from mild to severe. Some symptoms are diarrhea and loss of water and salts. Oral or intravenous replacement of fluids and salts as well as specific antibiotics is a possible treatment for cholera. Patients can be treated with an oral rehydration solution or, in severe cases, an intravenous fluid. Cholera is a serious infection that can only be resolved with medical intervention.

6. Example Paragraphs Canine Teeth One of the most important types of teeth in the human mouth is the canines which are the long, sharp teeth found in the front corners of the upper and lower rows of teeth, between the incisors and bicuspids. Because they are long and strong and deeply rooted, they have several functions. First, even though canines do not chew food, they guide the jaw during the chewing process. Second, they shape the face. They can also serve as anchors for other teeth when a dentist puts in bridge work. And finally, as the name "canine" suggests, they work like the teeth of a dog to cut and tear food-and to bite. In sum, the purpose of these essential, sharp teeth is manyfold.

7. Example Paragraphs Assertiveness Assertiveness means standing up for your rights --- politely, but firmly. For example, my friend Teresa is assertive. Once when we were in a restaurant and her hamburger was well done instead of rare, Teresa signaled the waiter and nicely asked if she could return the excellent but well-done burger for one that was a bit rarer. I braced myself for an argument, but the waiter just replaced the burger. Another time as we stood in line for movie tickets, a guy cut in front of Teresa. She tapped him on the shoulder, smiled, and said, "I see there was a gap that looked as if it were the end of the line, but it's really back there." When the guy stared at her and said, "I'll just stay here. You don't mind, right?" She answered, "Well, yes, I do mind." She then made sure the people in back of us were listening and said, "And you're not being fair to all these other people, either." The guy left. Assertiveness helps you get what you want and deserve without creating a scene.

8. Example Paragraphs Gossip. According to The American Heritage Dictionary, gossip is a “trivial rumor of a personal nature,” but this definition makes gossip sound like an activity that is harmless. At first, gossip might not seem so bad. One person tells a second person something about someone, and that second person tells a third, and so on. The information passes from person to person. However, gossip is much more than just information and rumor. As the rumor continues, it grows and changes. People do not know all the facts. They add information. As gossip goes from one person to the next, the damage continues, and the person who is the subject of the gossip can’t do anything to answer or protect himself or herself. Celebrities and regular people suffer from the negative effects of gossip. For example, a current celebrity might lose custody of her children due to gossip that is currently circulating about her. For these reasons, gossiping is a bad habit.

9. Brainstorming Technique • Clustering Draw a bubble. And write the topic above it. Brainstorm! Look for words that connect with each other. Circle the words and connect them with lines. Task: Create a topic sentence with a controlling idea that relates to the connections you made.

10. Brainstorming Practice • Fraud (n) - a person who pretends to have qualities, abilities, etc. that he does not really have in order to deceive other people • Xenophobia (n) - (disapproving) a strong feeling of dislike or fear of people from other countries Task: Create a topic sentence for one of these words. Use your own ideas: Topic+ general noun+ adjective clause. Or use the quoted definition: According to Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, topic is, “…” (or paraphrase the quoted definition).

11. Brainstorming Practice Based on your previous choice, now brainstorm about the topic. • Fraud (n)- a person who pretends to have qualities, abilities, etc. that he does not really have in order to deceive other people • Explanation? • Idea One • Idea Two • Examples: • Example One • Example Two • Xenophobia (n) – (disapproving) a strong feeling of dislike or fear of people from other countries • Explanation? • Idea One • Idea Two • Examples: • Example One • Example Two

12. In-Class Writing • Choose one of the following words to define in a paragraph: Philanthropist (n) – a rich person who helps the poor and those in need, especially by giving money Gravy train (n) – a situation where people seem to be making a lot of money without much effort Runaround (v) – to treat someone badly by not telling him the truth or by not giving him the help or the information he needs… Nationalism (n) – (sometimes disapproving) a feeling of love for and pride in your country; a feeling that your country is better than any other Fool’s paradise (n) – a state of happiness that is based on something that is false or cannot last although the happy person does not realize it Paradox (n) – a person, thing or situation that has two opposite features and therefore seems strange • All definitions are from the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. Provide your brainstorming and completed paragraph to me by the end of class today.

13. Example Student Paragraph Nationalism According to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary is “a feeling of love for and pride in your country; a feeling that your country is better than any other.” In other words, people are considered as nationalist when they feel a deep admiration and an enormous respect for their respective country and its values. Moreover, these people are always ready to defend their country, whatever happens, because of the strong consideration they have for their nation. For example, a nationalist who goes to a procession during a national holiday can easily get angry because someone else has let his country’s flag fall on the ground or even touch the ground. They are likely to praise their country and not consider others as equal. This feeling is sometimes disapproved because of that. For all these reasons, we agree with the definition given by the dictionary explaining in other words that nationalism is a strong feeling of respect that most citizens have for their country.

14. Problematic Sentences This is a person who has what it takes to survive and as a well as use what he has, which can be money to improve the live of those that lack or hungry. He have been assisting the poor people by his money. For example, when you go shopping and you back alone with many things, your neighborhood helps you to carry quickly what you bough. A philanthropist is somebody who helps people whom need it. Rich people is be a philantropist in the poor place because they think these place is need a help. Moreover, some of the people who donate their money in social centers to help poor people. It is not appropriate to deal with somebody by not letting him know the data that requires him. There is always poor people need help.