Modes of Discourse

1. Modes of Discourse Definition

2. Definition • The Definition Mode allows you to communicate precisely what you want to say. • At its most basic level, you will frequently need to define key words. • Your reader needs to know just what you mean when you use unfamiliar words, words that are open to various interpretations, or familiar words that are used in a particular sense. • Important terms that are not defined or that are defined inaccurately confuse readers and hamper communication.

3. Definition Example Consider the opening paragraph from a student essay titled “Secular Mantras”: Remember The Little Engine That Could? That’s the story about the tiny locomotive that hauled the train over the mountain when the big, rugged locomotives wouldn’t. Remember how the Little Engine strained and heaved and chugged, “I think I can—I think I can—I think I can” until she reached the top of the mountain? That’s a perfect example of a secular mantra in action. You probably have used a secular mantra (pronounce it “mantruh”) already today. It’s any word or group of words that helps you use your energy when you consciously repeat it to yourself. You must understand two qualities about secular mantras to be able to recognize one. –Keith Eldred, student • Eldred engages his readers with the story of the Little Engine and then uses that example to lead into a definition of secular mantra. He concludes the paragraph with a sentence that tells readers what is coming next.

4. Definition There are three basic ways to define a word, and each is useful in its own way. • The first method is to give a synonym — that is, use a word that has nearly the same meaning as the word you wish to define (face for countenance, nervousness for anxiety). No two words have exactly the same meaning, but you can nevertheless pair an unfamiliar word with a familiar one and thereby clarify your meaning. • Another way to define a word quickly, often within a single sentence, is to give a formal definition — that is, place the term in a general class and then distinguish it from other members of that classby describing its particular characteristics. For example: • A watch is a mechanical device that is used for telling time and is usually carried or worn. • Semantics is an area of linguistics that is concerned with the study of the meaning of words.

5. Definition 3. The third method of defining a word is to give an extended definition — that is, to use one or more paragraphs (or even an entire essay) to define a new or difficult term or to rescue a controversial word from misconceptions that may obscure its meaning. • In an essay-length extended definition, you provide your readers with information about the meaning of a single word, a concept, or an object. You must consider what your readers already know, or think they know, about your topic. Are there popular misconceptions that need to be corrected? Are some aspects of the topic seldom considered? Have particular experiences helped you understand the topic? • You can use synonyms or formal definitions in an extended definition, but you must convince readers to accept your particular understanding of it.

6. Extended Definition Example In the following four-paragraph sequence, the writers provide an extended definition of freedom, an important but elusive concept: Choosing between negative alternatives often seems like no choice at all. Take the case of a woman trying to decide whether to stay married to her inconsiderate, incompetent husband, or get a divorce. She doesn’t want to stay with him, but she feels divorce is a sign of failure and will stigmatize her socially. Or think of the decision faced by many young men [more than forty] years ago, when they were forced to choose between leaving their country and family or being sent to Vietnam. When we face decisions involving only alternatives we see as negatives, we feel so little freedom that we twist and turn searching for another choice with some positive characteristics. Freedom is a popular word. Individuals talk about how they feel free with one person and not with another, or how their bosses encourage or discourage freedom on the job. We hear about civil wars and revolutions being fought for greater freedom, with both sides righteously making the claim. The feeling of freedom is so important that people say they’re ready to die for it, and supposedly have. Still, most people have trouble coming up with a precise definition of freedom. They give answers describing specific situations—“Freedom means doing what I want to do, not what the Government wants me to do,” or “Freedom means not having my mother tell me when to come home from a party”—rather than a general definition covering many situations. The idea they seem to be expressing is that freedom is associated with making decisions, and that other people sometimes limit the number of alternatives from which they can select.

7. Definition Model Essay • Read the model essay entitled, “The Company Man” and take notice of how the main character is defined. • In your notes, answer the following questions: • Based on Goodman’s essay, how would you define company man? • As you define the term, consider what such a man is not, as well as what he is. • Is company man synonymous with workaholic? Explain.

8. Definition Quick Write A procrastinator—a person who continually puts off responsibilities—is very different from a workaholic. • Write a response, modeled on Goodman’s, using an extended example to define this personality type. • Minimum of three paragraphs – 6-8 sentences each