Definitions

Welcome to week 7 of the semester. This week we will turn our attention definitions, something that you will probably need to do in research paper. So first let's turn our attention to the differences between academic-style writing and what we spend most of our leisure time reading: literary or journalistic writing.

Academic Style vs. Other Styles of Writing

If we compare the sample paragraphs that we have had in this course so far with literary or journalistic paragraphs, we will probably notice that the literary and journalistic paragraphs are much shorter and they use a much less formal structure. In fact they usually lack overt topic sentences. For obvious reasons, journalism especially lacks a controlling idea. After all jounalists are supposed to be objective. In addition, reporters and newspaper editors deliberately keep the paragraphs in newspapers and magazines short because the column format makes sort paragraphs easier to read. Academic writing, however, in which students support and develop their ideas, requires longer, more structured paragraphs. This is sometimes hard to learn to do because most of what we read is not of the academic style. And when we talk we don't practice going into such detail because if we did our listeners would most likely say: "Get on with it." In the following table the major differences between academic-style writing and literary- or journalistic-style writing are listed:

Because we do not get a chance to read and write as many academic-style paragraphs and essays as we do other types of writing, we should keep in mind that it is different and try to write differently than in everyday life. Now on to definitions:

Definitions are often required in research papers to assure that the reader understands the meaning of a specific term you are referring to or, as in some cases when a term is used in different ways by different researchers it may be necessary to clarify how you are using the term. If you are writing about a certain book or style of architecture that is characteristic for a specific period of time, for example, you will probably want to define the characteristics of the period of time before explaining why your novel or style of architecture reflects it so well.

In a definition, the writer defines or puts boundaries around a term or concept. Definitions can be as short as a few words or as long as an essay or even an entire book. A simple dictionary definition may be enough to clarify an unfamiliar term, but an extended definition may be needed to define the meaning of freedom or Gen X, for example. An extended definition is a long definition that employs a number of techniques to limit, distinguish, or clarify a term or concept. In an extended definition, the writer may use several rhetorical patterns to clarify a subject. For example, a writer may describe, give examples, compare and contrast, analyze, or examine causes and effects in order to clarify the subject of the definition.

The following sample text uses several of the methods mentioned above. It begins with a description, then compares and contrasts a deadbeat dad to others who default on their payments and ends with a discussion of the effects a deadbeat dad has on his children:

Deadbeat Dads

A deadbeat dad is a biological father who refuses to live up to his financial responsibilities to his child. Any man who fathers a child and fails to support that child financially, whether or not mandated by a court to pay child support, is considered a deadbeat dad. A biological father can be classified as deadbeat regardless of whether he is or ever was married to the mother of his child because fatherhood, not marriage, determines responsibility. A deadbeat dad can be distinguished from other deadbeat citizens who default on their legal debts because the deadbeat dad harms those for whom he is morally responsible. The effects of a deadbeat father extend beyond the material realm of financial deprivations, for children of deadbeat dads often suffer from feelings of low self-worth and abandonment. Long after a child has grown up, he may still harbour resentment and hostility toward male authority figures as a result of his deadbeat dad.

Here are a few suggestions you may pick from:
1. Define the role you play in your family (caretaker, peacemaker, rebel, etc.).
2. Define a slang term.
3. Define a type of person (wimp, punk, computer nerd, macho, etc.).
4. Define a historical, architectural, literary period.
5. Define an abstract quality (truth, beauty, integrity, courage, love).
6. Define something of your choice.

Once again I have enjoyed reading quite a few texts from some participants. I enjoy "seeing" things through someone else's eyes. But I have also received several complaints from participants that their texts have not been returned on time and in some cases not at all. Everyone enjoys getting input back about their text and are disappointed when they do not get any. As peer editors you have an opportunity to see what others write and while practicing looking for what makes a text clear or not so clear, you are learning to become critical readers. I ask you to take your editing seriously and try to return the texts on time with a short note letting the writer know what you thought about the text, keeping in mind everyone likes a positive statement too. That also gives each of you the opportunity to use your English in a practical way.

If, however, some of you do not get your texts back after writing the editor to remind them, then please send them to me and I will correct them. No one should go without getting feedback on all of their texts. So on that note have a nice week and enjoy the writing and editing!

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