Modes of Discourse

1
Modes of Discourse

• Definition

2
Definition

• The Definition Mode allows you to communicate
  precisely what you want to say.
• At its most basic level, you will frequently need
  to define key words.
• Your reader needs to know just what you mean when
  you use unfamiliar words, words that are open to
  various interpretations, or familiar words that
  are used in a particular sense.
• Important terms that are not defined or that are
  defined inaccurately confuse readers and hamper
  communication.

3
Definition Example

• Consider the opening paragraph from a student
  essay titled Secular Mantras
• Remember The Little Engine That Could? Thats the
  story about the tiny locomotive that hauled the
  train over the mountain when the big, rugged
  locomotives wouldnt. Remember how the Little
  Engine strained and heaved and chugged, I think
  I canI think I canI think I can until she
  reached the top of the mountain? Thats a perfect
  example of a secular mantra in action. You
  probably have used a secular mantra (pronounce it
  mantruh) already today. Its any word or group
  of words that helps you use your energy when you
  consciously repeat it to yourself. You must
  understand two qualities about secular mantras to
  be able to recognize one.
• Keith Eldred, student
• Eldred engages his readers with the story of the
  Little Engine and then uses that example to lead
  into a definition of secular mantra. He concludes
  the paragraph with a sentence that tells readers
  what is coming next.

4
Definition

• There are three basic ways to define a word, and
  each is useful in its own way.
• The first method is to give a synonym that is,
  use a word that has nearly the same meaning as
  the word you wish to define (face for
  countenance, nervousness for anxiety). No two
  words have exactly the same meaning, but you can
  nevertheless pair an unfamiliar word with a
  familiar one and thereby clarify your meaning.
• Another way to define a word quickly, often
  within a single sentence, is to give a formal
  definition that is, place the term in a general
  class and then distinguish it from other members
  of that class by describing its particular
  characteristics. For example
• A watch is a mechanical device that is used for
  telling time and is usually carried or worn.
• Semantics is an area of linguistics that is
  concerned with the study of the meaning of words.

5
Definition

• 3. The third method of defining a word is to
  give an extended definition that is, to use one
  or more paragraphs (or even an entire essay) to
  define a new or difficult term or to rescue a
  controversial word from misconceptions that may
  obscure its meaning.
• In an essay-length extended definition, you
  provide your readers with information about the
  meaning of a single word, a concept, or an
  object. You must consider what your readers
  already know, or think they know, about your
  topic. Are there popular misconceptions that need
  to be corrected? Are some aspects of the topic
  seldom considered? Have particular experiences
  helped you understand the topic?
• You can use synonyms or formal definitions in an
  extended definition, but you must convince
  readers to accept your particular understanding
  of it.

6
Extended Definition Example

• In the following four-paragraph sequence, the
  writers provide an extended definition of
  freedom, an important but elusive concept
• Choosing between negative alternatives often
  seems like no choice at all. Take the case of a
  woman trying to decide whether to stay married to
  her inconsiderate, incompetent husband, or get a
  divorce. She doesnt want to stay with him, but
  she feels divorce is a sign of failure and will
  stigmatize her socially. Or think of the decision
  faced by many young men more than forty years
  ago, when they were forced to choose between
  leaving their country and family or being sent to
  Vietnam.
• When we face decisions involving only
  alternatives we see as negatives, we feel so
  little freedom that we twist and turn searching
  for another choice with some positive
  characteristics.
• Freedom is a popular word. Individuals talk about
  how they feel free with one person and not with
  another, or how their bosses encourage or
  discourage freedom on the job. We hear about
  civil wars and revolutions being fought for
  greater freedom, with both sides righteously
  making the claim. The feeling of freedom is so
  important that people say theyre ready to die
  for it, and supposedly have.
• Still, most people have trouble coming up with a
  precise definition of freedom. They give answers
  describing specific situationsFreedom means
  doing what I want to do, not what the Government
  wants me to do, or Freedom means not having my
  mother tell me when to come home from a
  partyrather than a general definition covering
  many situations. The idea they seem to be
  expressing is that freedom is associated with
  making decisions, and that other people sometimes
  limit the number of alternatives from which they
  can select.

7
Definition Model Essay

• Read the model essay entitled, The Company Man
  and take notice of how the main character is
  defined.
• In your notes, answer the following questions
• Based on Goodmans essay, how would you define
  company man?
• As you define the term, consider what such a man
  is not, as well as what he is.
• Is company man synonymous with workaholic?
  Explain.

8
Definition Quick Write

• A procrastinatora person who continually puts
  off responsibilitiesis very different from a
  workaholic.
• Write a response, modeled on Goodmans, using an
  extended example to define this personality type.
  
• Minimum of three paragraphs 6-8 sentences each