Definition
Assignment Sheet
*Updated on November 1:
Definition Video
See ELMS for the course video
Readings & Examples
Extended Definition, Online Technical Writing Audience Analysis, Online Technical Writing How to Write an Extended Definition, Richard Corning, Western Oregon University Defining the Horse-Collar Tackle, The Dallas Morning News Defining the Horse-Collar Tackle, Student Example |
The Art of Definition
Before we can discuss an issue, we first need to make sure that everyone involved in the conversation is working from the same basic understanding of the term that's being discussed. For example, the City of Charlotte produced a video to welcome the Democratic National Convention which included this phrase: "Government is the only thing we all belong to." Conservatives were quick to interpret the term "belong" as "ownership," i.e., "This vintage copy of Ten on vinyl belongs to me." The creators of the video had to explain, then, that their intent with the term "belong" was membership, as in, "I belong to the Pearl Jam fan club." The statement, you can see, has two completely different meanings depending on how you define a very common term.
Audience Matters
How you define a term can be very different, depending on your audience. The vocabulary you use, the tactics you choose, what aspects you choose to focus on, the graphics that illustrate your point, and the examples, comparisons, and analogies you make all must be tailored to fit your specific audience's needs. Look at the differences between the two Horse Collar Tackle definitions -- one produced with a large budget by a newspaper with millions of subscribers; one written by a student for one specific person who had a direct reason for needing this definition
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