United We Read

The Year the Colored Sisters Came to Town

By Jacqueline Guidry

Lesson 2

Definition:  To define a term, especially as you want it to be used, is a common writing assignment.  A Writer can create such a definition using a variety of defining techniques. 

Some of the most common include: 

• Classification

• Synonym

• Antonym

• Example

• Negation (opposing example)

• History

• Process

• Enumeration

• Compare and Contrast

Classification is one of the oldest techniques of defining, credited to Aristotle.  The writer begins by putting the word into a class or category (SUV is a vehicle), and then differentiating (providing details to distinguish an SUV from any other type of vehicle).  In this differentiation, the author may give examples, the history of its creation, describe how it is used or works, what it looks like, or enumerate its parts.

Practice:

In your group create a definition of the word community:  “A community is…â€