Final Version - Definition Assignment

Due: September 20

Defining a Term for Two Distinct Audiences

• EXPERT definition due with separate audience description:

• NON-EXPERT definition due with separate audience description:

• Length: 150-200 words for each audience description; 250+ words for each definition

This assignment allows you to explore a potential project topic, gives you practice writing for different audiences, and focuses on the underrated but essential skill of being able to define a term in a brief, concise way.

You will choose one term, and you will define it for two distinct

audiences. The first definition you will turn in will be written to an expert or practitioner in the field – someone with comparable knowledge of your topic as you possess (or you will possess); in other words, a peer. You must consider the purpose for this definition (why would the audience need/want this definition) and the format/genre (in what type of publication would the audience access this definition – your final version should mimic this format).

The second definition of the exact same term will be written for a specific lay audience with no special knowledge of the field but who still needs an understanding of it. Again, you must consider the purpose for this definition (why would the audience need/want this definition) and the format/genre (in what type of publication would the audience access this definition – your final version should mimic this format).

Remember that although you are defining the same term, you will not be writing the same content using different language. Because these two audiences have different base knowledge, you must adjust your content – and the techniques you use – to match the particular audience.

For each definition, you will first write a full description of your audience, including the context within which they need your definition. You will spend roughly one-half page describing them in detail – job titles are not sufficient; I will be looking for evidence of a very specific understanding of whom you are writing for.

Our readings and class discussion will provide guidance for this assignment. You will need to figure out the best writing technique to use for each of your audiences, depending on their knowledge, the purpose for which they will be reading this definition, and the format/genre of your definition. Your grade willbe determined based on your ability to describe two distinct audiences; how well you define the same term to these different audiences; and your use of one or more of the techniques of definition, as well as on the overall organization, clarity, and preciseness of your text.

 More information on the assignment: 

 A definition begins with a synonym, a brief phrase, or a formal sentence that explains the term/field in its most basic form.  There is no one “right” way to define a complex term to a particular audience.  But this assignment requires you to write an extended definition using the tactics of definition. The techniques you use will depend on what is appropriate for audience and subject matter. These techniques are listed below.  Please note you don’t have to use all techniques, but you should be able to touch on at least three of the major techniques that would appeal to your audience:

1.Etymology – explaining origin of the word itself

2. History – if relevant, discussing the history of the term/its use/controversies associated with it

3.Cause and Effect – discussing how the situation came about and what effects it may have

4. Description – listing and defining the component parts

5.Principles of Operation – discussing how topic in question functions, including any special materials or conditions required

6.Classification - showing how the topic fits into a larger category

7.Contrast/Negation – showing how the topic differs from others in the same class.

8.  Comparison – showing how the topic is similar to others in the class

9. Analogy – explaining by comparing two dissimilar topics, where the second is familiar to the audience

10. Example and Illustrations     

Rubric Adapted  from Pam Orel

 Any paper submitted after 5 pm on the due date is considered late. Please see the syllabus for the late submission policy.