英语写作 (Definition)

1、a1英语写作2014.3.18-19（第二章第二讲）a2Definition Writing procedures 1. Choosing a Definition nChoosing a definition is a key step in writing a definition essay.nAlso, its important to limit your term before you start defining it.2. Gathering the information about the termnDecide what type of details and examp

2、les that you want to include in your definition essay. a33. Developing a Thesis Statement (论题/论文观点陈述 ) nA thesis statement is usually found at the end of the first paragraph of an essay or similar document, summarizes the main points and arguments of the author. nThe function of a thesis statement i

3、s to introduce the reader to the purpose of the document and outline the major topics that will be covered to achieve that purpose. a44. Writing an Introductionn State the term you are going to define. nThen either define it yourself or use a dictionary definitionnIn your thesis statement, restate t

4、he term and tell how you are going to define.a55. Using Etymologies (etmldi:z词源说明 )e.g. hijack 1923, Amer. Eng., from high (way) + jacker one who holds up. Originally to rob (a bootlegger, smuggler, etc.) in transit; sense of seizing an aircraft in flight is 1968 (also in 1961 variant skyjack), exte

5、nded 1970s to any form of public transportation. -Online Etymology Dictionary, 2010 Douglas Harper a66. Organizing the Essay that Defines a Concept npresent the denotative(外延的) definition in the introduction of the paper na) The thesis of a definition essay is composed of the denotative definition a

6、nd the most basic features n develop the body of your paper by a) giving examples, b) illustrating its distinguishing featuresa7c) Classifyingd) Negation by explaining what your topic is not or what the term does not mean. This distinction can sometimes clarify a definition and help a reader to bett

7、er understand it. e) explaining what something does or how something works by functions.a8f) analysis, by comparing the term to other members of its class and then illustrating the differences, structure, telling how something is organized or put together 7. End the definition essay by restating the

8、 key distinguishing features a9nWhat is the difference between Denotation and Connotation ?nDenotative definitions are frequently referred to as “dictionary definitions”, or the literal meaning of a concept. nConnotation is an idea or thing implied by or associated with a word or thing. a10A good de

9、finition meets four criteria:1. The definition provides the correct general category of the target , being neither too large nor too small.2. The definition provides the correct distinguishing feature or features that accurately describe the unique characteristics of the target.a113. The definition

10、does not use an example as an explanation.4. The definition is not circular, that is, it does not explain the word with another form of the same word.a12The following are good examples:nA hybrid is the offspring produced by crossing into animals or plants of different varieties.nThe whale is a large

11、 marine mammal of the order of cetacean ( sten鲸目动物) which has a fishlike body, forelimbs modified into flippers, and a horizontally flattened head.a13Identify the problems in each case :nTelevision is a source of information.nA calculator is a device, usually smaller than a computer, that is used to calculate.nA lecture is a person who lectures