Rough Draft-1 Expert/Non-expert Definition
- Due Sep 15, 2016 by 5pm
- Points 0
- Submitting a file upload
- Available Aug 29, 2016 at 12am - Sep 23, 2016 at 11:59pm
Due: September 15 by 5 pm.
Work submitted after 5 pm will be marked late.
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
Criteria | Ratings | Pts | |
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Audience for non expert
Is the audience clearly defined? Why do you think it is clearly defined? What makes them a non expert?
threshold:
pts
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pts
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Definition for non expert
Did the writer use noted styles/types/methods noted in the discussions and in the assignment prompt. Are unfamiliar terms explained? How does he/she engage the reader? Is the writing style appropriate according to the audience description?
threshold:
pts
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pts
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||
Grammar, mechanics, structure, flow, spelling, writing
Are there glaring errors that the writer needs to be aware of for the final draft? Does the writing flow smoothly; do paragraphs have strong transition.
threshold:
pts
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pts
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Audience for expert
Is the audience clearly defined? Why do you think it is clearly defined? What makes them an expert?
threshold:
pts
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pts
--
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Definition for expert
Did the writer use noted styles/types/methods noted in the discussions and in the assignment prompt. Are unfamiliar terms explained? How does he/she engage the reader? Is the writing style appropriate according to the audience description?
threshold:
pts
|
pts
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Complete assignment submitted
Are all parts of the assignment there? If not point out what is missing, be specific.
threshold:
pts
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pts
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Total Points:
0
out of 0
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