COMPOSITION I

DEFINITION

This pattern of development attempts to explore a single object, concept, type of thing or person, or naturally occurring phenomenon and establish a clear definition of that subject; most often used and best used for specialized terms not much is known about.

This pattern can be used by itself or paired up with other patterns of development:
argumentation/persuasion
cause & effect
division & classification

A definition paper by itself defends a current or standard definition of a word or phrase or challenges it with a new definition.
Formal definition: standard dictionary or accepted definition

EXTENDED DEFINITION:
in-depth focus on author's idea of defining something; can go for entire essay...or chapter...or book.

DEFINITION BY NEGATION: thesis emphasizes what a topic is NOT or lacks versus what it IS or has.

STIPULATIVE DEFINITION: thesis emphasizes the limits or boundaries of one's topic--what it can or cannot do.

SUGGESTIONS

Keep a focus on the essay's purpose, audience, and tone
Purposes are most often: information or persuasion.

SUGGESTIONS

Organize material or examples to help develop definition

Use evidence or examples to support one's definition

SUGGESTIONS

Develop an effective introduction

Denotation & Connotation

• Denotation: standard definition or meaning of word or phrase
• Connotation: anything else attached to word or phrase beyond standard definition or meaning(s)
• "signs" & "signifiers" in semiotics

QUESTIONS?