CALL AND ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE : 7. The DEFINITION Paragraph

The Definition Paragraph

A definition paragraph describes, explains, or defines an unfamiliar term by relating that which is unknown to that which is already known. It makes use of the techniques of comparison, contrast, and synthesis, often in combination. More specifically a definition paragraph may be developed by using comparison sentences that show that an unknown term is the same as or like some known term. Or it may be developed by using contrast sentences that show that an unknown term, though similar in some respects, is basically unlike some known term. Or it may be developed by bringing together the appropriate like and unlike characteristics of two or more terms to form a new concept, or synthesis. In any case, a given definition paragraph, whether developed by comparison, contrast, or synthesis, or some combination of these, normally ends with a sentence that summarizes the distinctive features of the term being defined.

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis, which occurs in all land plants and many water plants, is a food manufacturing process upon which all living things depend. The word is made up of two terms: photo meaning light, and synthesis-in chemistry meaning the combination of two or more simple elements into a complex chemical compound. More precisely, photosynthesis is the process by which plants use energy of light to produce compounds such as sugar and starch, from a number of substances including water and carbon dioxide. In addition to the organic compounds, photosynthesis forms oxygen which is released into the air. In the conversion of light energy into chemical energy, photosynthesis is a primary energy-producing process for all plant and animal life.

The El Yunque Rain Forest

A rain forest, as the term suggests, is a kind of wooded area, subject to unusually heavy and frequent rains. Found only in the tropical or subtropical regions of the Caribbean, Brazil, Africa and Asia, rain forests contain a great variety of trees including bamboo, palm, cedar, ebony, calabash and whitewood. Many of these trees grow to a height of more than a hundred feet, with dense canopies or crowns characteristically forming three distinguishable stories. Although ground flora is sparse, climbers of all kinds abound, and often exotic flowers appear inconspicuously in the thick foliage. This luxuriant growth results form an annual rain full in excess of ninety inches, with no dry season. A rain forest of spectacular beauty covers El Yunque, a mountain just outside San Juan, Puerto Rico. The El Yunque rain forest average rainfall 180 inches per year, is filled with lush, tropical greenery, millions of tiny wild orchids, thirty-foot ferns, and hundreds of varieties of trees and plants, all growing in native splendor.

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT – DEFINITION paragraph

Write an outline FOR A DEFINITION PARAGRAPH. AFTER WRITING YOUR OUTLINE, START DEVELOPING YOUR DEFINITION PARAGRAPH. TO WRITE YOUR DEFINITION PARAGRAPH, USE SOME OF THE KINDS OF DEFINITIONS WE HAVE STUDIED.

TO INTRODUCE YOUR TERMINATOR USE: AS YOU CAN SEE, CLEARLY, ETC.

REMEMBER TO INCLUDE EXPLANATIONS OF DETAILS (WHY AND HOW)

Outline the DEFINITION paragraph (USE ONE IDEA)