RW Lesson 6 Description and Definition

Reading and
Writing Skills
LESSON 5
Patterns of Paragraph
Development
Paragraphs can be developed using
variety of patterns that reflect our
thinking about the material.
The key to successful writing is the
knowledge of transitional expressions
that send a signal to your reader.
In what subjects are you
usually asked to describe
a particular person,
thing, or event, or to
define a concept?
Features
Characteristics
Example: How it lives and moves
The tarsier has soft, grayish fur. It has bat-like
ears and a long, rat-like tail. It only stands
about 100 millimeters. It feeds on insects like
crickets, beetles, and termites; and on small
animals, too, like lizards, frogs, and small birds.
Also, it is capable of turning its head 180
degrees and jumping backward with
accuracy.
Description
Description gives information of
what a person, an object, a place,
or a situation is like.
It appeals to the reader’s senses; it
makes the reader see, hear, taste,
smell, or feel the subject.
Description
A descriptive paragraph has concrete and
specific details, which are carefully chosen by
a writer to paint a picture in the mind of the
reader.
 Literary analyses, descriptive essays, business
plans, lab reports, and research papers are
some examples of writing genres that use
descriptive paragraphs.
How do I write my descriptive
paragraph?
Startyour paragraph with a general
topic sentence that introduces the
concept being described.
Max is the nicest person in the
neighborhood.
paragraph?
Focus on the most
important/striking characteristics
of the concept being described.
I didn’t usually notice people’s skin,
but Natasha’s glowed. It was almost
alien.
paragraph?
 Use strong adjectives
throughout your paragraph.
End the paragraph with a
resonant description or
conclusion.
Definition
Definition explains a
concept, term, or subject.
Its main purpose is to tell
what something is.
Example:
The greenhouse effect is a natural process. As
the sun shines, Earth absorbs some of its
energy. Then the greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere like water vapor, carbon dioxide,
methane, nitrous oxide, and the ozone absorb
and emit that energy. This energy warms the
atmosphere as well as the Earth’s surface. As
a result, the process keeps Earth warm.
Definition
It consists of three parts:
1. term, concept, or subject to be defined;
2. general class to which it belongs
3. characteristics that differentiate it from
the other members of its class
3 types of Definition
formal definition consists of three

parts: the term, the part of
speech to which it belongs, such
as a noun or a verb, and all
the traits or characteristics that
are specific to that term.
formal definition
Term: freedom
Part of speech: noun
Definition: The power or right to
act, speak, or think as one wants
without hindrance or restraint.
In an informal definition, the

writer uses known words or
examples to explain an unknown
term. These definitions may
be synonyms or antonyms introdu
ced by or, in other words, or like.
Informal Definition
Freedom, also referred to as
liberty or independence, is a
state people reach when they
are free to think and do
whatever they please.
Extended definitions generally have

components of both informal and
formal definitions. However, as the
name suggests, the author uses a
number of other techniques to define
a word, concept, or phrase, including
the following:
Extended definitions
Listing and describing the parts:
identifying smaller, more familiar pieces
of an idea to point to the definition of
the bigger concept.
Etymology: sharing a word's origin.
Examples or anecdotes: telling a story or
example that illustrates the term.
Negation: defining a term by explaining what
the concept is not.
Evoking the senses: using a word that creates
a picture in the reader's mind so that the
reader might relate through memory of
sound, sight, touch, hearing, or smell.
Environment or sector: pointing out how and
where something is used.
Ramifications: showing how the

term or concept affects people
or objects.
Historical references: showing
how a word has been defined
throughout history.
Definition
This pattern of
development is
commonly used in the
sciences, humanities,
and business.
How do I define concepts in my
paper?
* Choose a term you want to
define, and introduce it to your
readers. This can be done in several
ways, but your main goal at the
outset is to indicate the contents of
your paper clearly.
paper?
* Use several sources (dictionaries or
encyclopedias) to see how the
term you have chosen is usually
defined. Then, think of a way to
combine or merge them to give
your own, unique definition.
paper?
* Present the term you’ve

chosen to your readers in
the introductory part of
your paper.
How do I define term in my paper?
• In the main body paragraphs, provide your

readers with information about the term.
• Along with your own description, you can
point out some cases in which this term is used,
as well as historical information about its origins
and the evolution of its use in literature.
• Also, you can highlight any common mistakes
in its definition.
paper?
•Think of a couple of
sound examples that
will fully illustrate and
explain your definition.
Lets Identify the pattern
Meningitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the
protective membranes covering the brain
and spinal cord. A bacterial or viral infection
of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal
cord usually causes the swelling.
(https://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/index.html)
Lets Identify the pattern
 Meningitisis usually the result of a viral or
bacterial infection. Viral meningitis, also called
aseptic meningitis, is generally less severe and
often disappears without specific treatment,
while bacterial meningitis can be quite serious
and may result in brain damage, hearing loss,
or learning disabilities in children. The infection
may even cause death.
(http://www.healthofchildren.com)
Warm-up
Choose 1 of your
classmates/teachers then
write a 3-4 descriptive
sentences without revealing
his/her name.
Activity 1
Write a character
sketch of your
favorite person in
life. 

RW Lesson 6 Description and Definition

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

RW Lesson 6 Description and Definition

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

RW Lesson 6 Description and Definition

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Reading and

formal definition consists of three

In an informal definition, the

Extended definitions generally have

Ramifications: showing how the

* Present the term you’ve

• In the main body paragraphs, provide your

You might also like