FOUN 1105

Scientific and Technical Writing

Specific Expository Strategies Part 3
Wrap-Up and Final Examination Preparation

Objectives
At the end of this session, students will be able to:
Identify extended definition as a combination of expository
strategies in formal essay-writing
State the main characteristics of extended definition
Assess extended definition topics to determine the most
suitable expository tools for use
Draft a thesis statement that reflects extended definition
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Objectives continued
Utilize various expository strategies in developing the
extended definition essay
Discuss the merit of given body paragraphs that reflect
various expository tools
Assess a complete formal extended definition essay

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Recap: Specific Expository Strategies

Parts 1 and 2
A formal expository uses certain strategies in the development
of its main ideas.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Inclusive are the following strategies:

Analysis by division breaking down an entity into its various parts.
Classification placing items in groups based on commonalities
Process analysis outlining and explaining the stages of something
Cause and effect highlighting the causes or effects of something
Comparison and contrast exploring the similarities and differences
between things

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Using these strategies as

full methods or partial tools
Each of these strategies may be used to write a single essay OR a
combination of these strategies may be used as tools to write a
single essay.
In the latter case, the strategies become less important as
individual strategies for separate essays and more crucial as
joint tools to build a single essay.
This approach is always critical when dealing with concepts,
phenomena and entities that are essay topics which are ambiguous
or nebulous, or which may lend themselves to a multiplicity of things.

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Consider these examples

What is a?

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What we glean from this

There is hardly an item that can be fully defined in one basic
sentence.
What we accept as a definition for one thing also lends itself to
defining many other things.
The definition we offer must be added to, or extended, using other
tools in order to fully understand an item.
This gives rise to using a specific strategy along a certain line or a
combination of expository strategies in a single essay resulting in
the phenomenon called extended definition

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What is extended definition?

Extended definition is not an expository method per se,
but rather refers to the use of a specific expository tool or a combination
of expository tools to explain the meaning of a specific term/concept.
In other words, the extended definition essay utilizes one or more of the
following expository strategies, as tools, in explaining and developing
a concept:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Analysis by division
Classification
Cause and effect
Comparison and contrast
Process analysis
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Exploring extended definition

This method initially offers a definition for a term/ concept/
expression/ phenomenon.

It then extends the definition, in sufficient detail, for the reader to

know exactly what the given topic is.
The reader must be clear about what the item is and what it is not.
There are multiple tools for achieving this.

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How is definition different from extended

definition?
Definition is central to many forms of writing when a term that is being
used is unfamiliar to the reader. This is usually a one-sentence definition.
In extended definition, the writers aim is to define as precisely as
possible, what he/she sees as the meaning of a particular term. In this
case, an entire essay is devoted to explaining the meaning of a term.

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When to use extended definition

When the meaning of a term is unclear/ambiguous
When you want to give additional meaning about a term/subject that
is not well known
When numerous examples are necessary to clarify a term

When it is important to explain the significance of a topic

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Contexts for extended definition

Abstract terms culture, democracy, freedom
Controversial terms pornography, gay, mediocrity
Common assumptions childhood, an insult

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Think about it
Is there anything in the term to be described?
Is there a need to provide any kind of historical background
information?
Would it be helpful for the reader to know about any cause/result
which will help to define the term?
Would comparing/contrasting the term with another help explain its
meaning?
How useful will examples be in defining the term?
Would examining the class to which the term belongs be helpful in
defining it?
Is it found in a particular place/particular conditions?

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The essays measures

The essay can include examples, case studies, research findings,
quotations, full descriptions, analogies, statistics, et cetera, in an
effort to explain the given topic clearly.
It may also utilize one method or a combination of other expository
methods (no more than three in a single essay) to explain the given
topic.
It is best as a mixture of the above two measures.

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Starting off:
Arriving at a definition!
Two questions must be answered:

1. What exactly is this thing?

2. What makes this thing what it is and not something else?

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3 components of a definition

1. The term to be
defined

2. The class to which

it belongs

3.
A differentiating
detail
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Example 1:
What is Rastafarianism?

1. Rastafarianism

2. A religious
movement

3. The belief of
Haile Selassie,
The black messiah.
Originated in
Jamaica
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Rastafarianism
Oxford Fable Dictionary:
A religious movement of Jamaican origin holding that blacks are the
chosen people. Rastafarians believe that the Emperor Haile
Selassie of Ethiopia was the Messiah, and that black people will
eventually return to their African homeland. They have distinctive
codes of behaviour and dress, including wearing dreadlocks.
Origin:
Root from Ras Tafari, the name by which Haile Selassie was known.

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Example 2:
What is a bikini?

1. A bikini

2. Ladies swimwear

3. Two-piece
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A bikini
Oxford Dictionary:
Brief two-piece bathing-suit worn by women.

Origin:
from Bikini, a type of Pacific atoll in the South China Seas that
appears in pairs.

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Activity :
What is ice-cream?

1.

2.

3.
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Ice-cream
Oxford Dictionary:
A sweet, creamy, frozen dessert.
Origin:
An ice-cream-like food was first eaten in China in 97AD. King Tang
of Shang, had 94 ice men who helped to make a dish of buffalo milk,
flour and camphor.

Ice Cream sundaes were invented when it became illegal to sell icecream sodas on a Sunday in the American town of Evanston during
the late 19th century. To get round the problem some traders
replaced the soda with syrup and called the dessert an "Ice Cream
Sunday." They replaced the final "y" with an "e" to avoid upsetting
religious leaders.

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The extended definition essay

An introductory paragraph:
Starts with general information, contains a working definition
for the term (the term, the class to which it belongs and some
differentiating detail fro other terms in that class), and ends in
the thesis statement that tells the focus of the essay.
The essays body
Made up of several paragraphs that help to explain the main
ideas of the essays focus. Each paragraph starts with the
main idea expressed as a complete topic sentence. This is
followed by details in the form of sentences that give
explanations, examples, quotations, etc.

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The extended definition essay

continued.
The conclusion:
This is the final paragraph of the essays body. It rounds
off the entire essay, creates a sense of closure for the
reader and reiterates the controlling idea without
repeating the thesis statement word for word. No new
points are introduced and both reader and writer are
satisfied that the essay has ended.

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Example using extended

definition
Task:
Leisure seems to be an elusive attainment for many. Much effort is
channelled into the world of work in order to create opportunities
for leisure. Explain what is meant by leisure.
Working definition:
Leisure refers to free time that may be used for pleasurable
pursuits.
Thesis statement:
Leisure comprises active and passive activities, may be contrasted
with work and results in feelings of satisfaction and well-being.
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Analysis of example
The given topic creates a contextual base for
understanding the term. Locate the actual task to be
done.
The working definition has the three components of
a definition the term to be defined, the class to
which it belongs, and some differentiating detail.

The thesis statement satisfies the elements of a

well-worded extended definition thesis - SPLACED
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The introduction
Adults work hard in order to achieve certain goals, be
they a better standard of living for their families, a sense
of self-actualization or simply a fulfillment of societys
expectations. Children, too, work hard in order to be
successful at school and in their various pursuits
sports, art, et cetera. But the adage, all work and no
play makes Jack a dull boy comes to mind. A healthy
lifestyle offers the need for a balance between hard work
and leisure. Leisure refers to free time that may be used
for pleasurable pursuits. Leisure comprises active
and passive activities, may be contrasted
with work and results in feelings of
satisfaction and FOUN
well-being.
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The first body paragraph

Active and passive activities are elements of
leisure. The former include outdoor matters such as
swimming, camping and certain sports like football,
cricket and golf. These tend to satisfy ones need for
physical activities that aid in lifestyle regulation and a fit
physique. Passive activities are given the label passive
not because they are passive but rather because,
compared to active pursuits, these entail less physical
movement, such as writing a poem, doing a drawing or
creating a sculpture. Other passive activities may be just
as critical as outdoor ones, however, as a high degree of
thinking pervades such as in playing word games like
Scrabble or games that call for sound business acumen
like Monopoly.
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A second body paragraph

In order to best explain the concept of
leisure, one needs to understand the notion of
work as these two may be contrasted. Work
implies paid labour and involves the exchange of
services for income. The diversity of work that exists
may be further categorized according to qualification,
occupational hazard, income earned and other criteria.
Basically, work entails a certain number of hour, in a
specific location, and calls on the worker to focus directly
on particular tasks that are pivotal to attaining the overall
objectives of the firm. The workers time, focus, aim and
location are features of paid work.
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A third body paragraph

On the other hand, leisure is not characterized by an
intensity to the attainment of any such objectives,
Rather, the individual uses time in a more relaxed
manner that is stress-free and depictive of less
constraint as activities are undertaken. The focus is on
having a degree of fun as the aim is to enjoy ones self,
in a location that is totally different from the world of
works. Elements such as qualification, occupational
hazard and income are non-issues when one is
engaging in leisure.

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A fourth body paragraph

The impact leisure has in ones life, as well as
the lives of others, is one of satisfaction and
well-being. The very nature of related activities pivots
one within the realm of happiness. The freedom from
established work and study activities causes one to feel
lighter and this has a ripple effect on how one feels
about himself and how he interacts with others.
Contentment brews and there is an overall feeling of
positive well-being as a persons social relations become
more positive and his psychological landscape is
pleasantly impacted upon.
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The conclusion
Leisure is elusive to some but attainable to many.
Regardless of the degree of work or study in ones life,
leisure offers a break from ones daily routine. Consisting
of both active and passive activities, leisure allows an
individual to have multiple choices. When contrasted
against the rigours of work, leisure is seen as a
necessary oasis in one's life. Finally, the potential
satisfaction and increased well-being that emerge out of
leisure pursuits underscore its role for everyone.

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Language
When in Rome do as the Romans do.
COFHER are the six elements of
academic written style.

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1. Complexity

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2. Objectivity

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3. Formality

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4. Hedging

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5. Explicitness

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6. Responsibility
Acknowledge and be accurate.

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Organization:
It makes the reader feel secure!

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Essay Structure!
An introduction opens the essay and orients the reader
to the topic of discussion. It ends in a solid thesis
statement that guides the entire essay.
Each body paragraph follows, beginning with the main
idea of the paragraph expressed as an opening topic
sentence. Supporting details in sentence form add to the
discussion. These may include explanations, examples,
illustrations, etc.
The final paragraph, the conclusion, rounds off the entire
essay and reiterates the controlling idea. No new points
are introduced.
Linking or transition words help to make paragraphs
coherent.
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Signal with linking words!

To give an example - for example, for instance, a case in point
To show addition - additionally, also, and, furthermore, moreover, equally
important
To show analysis aspect, component, element, is made up of
To show classification group, category, class, sort
To show cause leads to, produces, results in, is caused by
To show effect consequences, impact, repercussions, effect, results
To show comparison - also, likewise, in the same way, similarly
To show contrast- but, however, nevertheless, on the other hand, on the
contrary, yet,
To show process - first, second, third, next, then, consequently,
subsequently, after, before, during, earlier, later
To emphasize - indeed, in fact, of course
To conclude or repeat Thus, therefore , as such
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The Final Examination

Content is the cargo that is transported in your vehicle of
academic language.
How safely and effortlessly you transport this cargo is
your organization.
Whereas the academic language and the organizational
structure in FOUN 1105 remain the same, the content
changes each semester.
This semester, the content area being examined is:
Applications of Modern Technology to Science

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Prepare for the Battle of Exams!

Know your enemy!
Equip yourself for battle!
Know your strengths and weaknesses!

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Be Aware!
1. Where can you find the criteria for mark allocation?
2. What three aspects of writing are given marks in the
final examination?
3. Which area has the heaviest weighting of marks?
Why do you think this is?
4. What really wound the examiners up in the last exam?
5. What were the most common error symbols on your
coursework scripts? (SVA, pp, sp, D, P, SC, CS, art.)

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Questions?

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Todays Recap!
Specific Expository Strategies Part 3
Course Wrap-Up
Final Examination Preparation

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This Weeks Tutorial Information

Writing body paragraphs (with topic sentences) for
expository essay topics using Cause and Effect Analysis
and Comparison and Contrast Analysis

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This Weeks Independent Study

myeLearning
Block 6: Exploring a sample essay using Extended
definition
Block 10: What is Good Writing?

Self-Assessment (Grammar):
Complete Proof reading Exercise #5

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