Definition: Points to Remember

DEFINITION Points to Remember 

1. Remember that you are obligated to define key terms that you use in your writing— such as Marxism, alternative medicine, nontraditional student. 
2. Understand your purpose in defining: to explain, to entertain, to persuade, to set boundaries, or to establish a standard. 
3. Understand how writers construct an argument from a definition. For example, by defining the good life or good government, they argue for that kind of life or government. 
4. Know the several ways of defining: giving examples, analyzing qualities, attributing characteristics, defining negatively, using analogies, and showing function. 
5. Learn to use definition in combination with other strategies, as a basis on which to build an argument, or as supporting evidence. 

Definition Essay

Today, we will go over the definition essay (chapter 5 page 291) and look at two sample "definition" essays by professional writers.

Homework: Write a precis on one of the essays we read in class.

Definition Essay draft due - 3/6.

Classification Essay

Today - we will discuss your classification essay and go over your Poetry Out Loud poem.s


DIVISION AND CLASSIFICATION

 Points to Remember

1. Determine whether you want to (a) explain an existing system of classification of (b) create your own system.
2. Divide your subject into smaller categories by applying the same principle of selection to each category.
3. Make sure that your division is complete by establishing separate and consistent types of categories.
4. Arrange your categories (and the examples you use to illustrate each category) in a logical and emphatic sequence.
5. Demonstrate the significance of your system by calling your readers’ attention to its significance.

Rhina P. Espaillat

GO here for an AP student's overview of the text

Classification Essay topic and Poetry Out Loud

Today - we will go over possible topics for your classification essay and go over your poems for Poetry Out Loud.

Classification Essay

Today we are going to look over classification essays.  You'll need the River Reader (chapter 4 page 221).  We'll read the introduction and two division and classification essays.  For homework you will write a précis on one of them.

Tomorrow come to class with an idea for a classification essay.

This essay is due on 2/25 (a week from tomorrow).

Friday

Today - we will go over your essays and discuss how to improve them.  We will also pick out your poems for the POETRY OUT LOUD STATE CHAMPIONSHIP!

Compare and Contrast

COMPARISON AND CONTRAST
Points to Remember

1. Decide whether you want the pattern of your comparison to focus on the complete units (divided) or specific features (alternating).

2. Consider the possibility of combining the two patterns.

3. Determine which subject should be placed in the first position and why.

4. Arrange the points of your comparison in a logical balanced, and dramatic sequence.

5. Make sure you introduce and clarify the reasons for making your comparison.