quarter one

technical
writing
grade 8 elective

Name: ____________________________
Section: __________________
Subject Teacher: Ms. Czarisse O. Manicio

S.Y. 2022-2023
 week five
Expository Techniques: Definition

What I need to know?

When working with specialized language and vocabulary, definitions can
be useful and essential in clarifying concepts, distinguishing objects and
procedures for your target readers.
This course shall introduce you to the different expository techniques to
use in developing a technical text.

What is New? preliminary activity

Directions: Identify the gibberish using the definition provided as your clue.
Write your answers on your technical writing notebook.
1. prow seed your- established way of doing something
2. math thow doe lurgy- system of methods used in a particular area of study
3. orb check tea bee tee- fair, free from bias or personal feelings
4. ravish shone- the act of changing or correcting something
5. act cure rash see- quality of being correct or precise

introduction
Definitions explain new terms and concepts to readers who may not be
familiar with the technical terminologies used in the text (Reep, 2003).
Definition is a process which uses analysis and explication to make the meaning
of a term clear. It is classified as informal, formal and expanded.
Definitions are crucial in all kinds of technical writing. According to Reep
(2003), there are circumstances that call for definitions. The following
circumstances are:
1. When a technical information originally written for expert readers is revised for
non-expert readers, the writer must include definitions for all terms that are not
common knowledge.
2. A document with readers from many disciplines or varied backgrounds must
include definitions for all terms that are not common knowledge.
3. All new or rare terms should be defined, even for readers who are experts in the
subject. Change is so fast in science and technology that no one can easily keep up
with every new development.
4. When a term has multiple meanings, a writer must be clear of the word. The word
slate, for example, can refer to a kind of rock, a color, a handheld chalkboard, or a
list of candidates for elections.
 What is It?

formal definition
Formal definitions are conventional and, more rigid and detailed
compared to informal definitions. It consists of three principal parts namely the
term or species (name of the object, process or concept), genus or class (refers
to the group or class where the specie belongs; usually begins with is or are),
and the differentiae (the distinguishing features or characteristics).
For example: Skimming is a reading technique of allowing the eyes to
travel over a page very quickly, stopping on certain points to gain a general idea.

Term/Species Genus or Class Differentiae

A technique is a systematic used to accomplish a complex or
procedure scientific task.
A computer is an that accepts, processes, stores, and
electronic inputs data at high speed according to
device program instructions.
A riffle is a firearm with spiral groovers in the inner surface
of the gun barrel to give the bullet a
rotary motion and increase its
accuracy.

When writing formal definitions, remember the following tips according

to Reep (2003):
1. Do not use the same key word in the distinguishing feature part that you
used in one or both of the other two units.
Weak An odometer is a measuring instrument that measures the
distance travelled by a vehicle.
Strong An odometer is a measuring instrument that records the
distance travelled by a vehicle.
2. Do not use distinguishing features that are too general to adequately
specify the meaning of the term.
Weak Rugby is a sport that involves rough contact among players as
they try to send the ball across the opponent’s goal.
Strong Rugby is a team sport that involves 13-15 player on each team
who try to send the ball across the opponent’s goal during
two 40-minute halves.
 formal definition
When writing formal definitions, remember the following tips according
to Reep (2003):
3. Do not use distinguishing features that are restrictive.
Weak A tent is a portable shelter made of beige canvas in the shape
of a pyramid, supported by poles.
Strong A tent is a portable shelter made of animal skin or a sturdy
fabric, supported by poles.
4. Do not use is when, is where, or is what in place of the group part in a
formal definition.
Weak A tongue depressor is what medical personnel use to hold
down a patient’s tongue during a throat examination.
Strong A tongue depressor is a flat, thin, wooden stick used medical
personnel use to hold down a patient’s tongue during a
throat examination.

informal definition
Informal definitions explain a term with a word or phrase that has the
same general meaning. This type of definition are most helpful for non-expert
readers who need an introduction to an unfamiliar term, although could be
lacking in explaining the term thoroughly.
For example:
• Contrast is the difference between dark and light in a photograph.
• Leucine, an amino acid, is essential for human nutrition.
• Terra cotta – a hard, fired clay – is commonly used for pottery and
ornamental architectural detail.

connotation vs denotation
Denotation refers to the dictionary meaning of the word. (Example: Red rose is
a red flower bore by a thorny shrub.)

Connotation refers to how a writer understands a word based on their own

personal experiences or and culture. (Example: Rose is a symbol of love and
romance.)
 let’s try it!
Directions: Read the following sentences carefully. Identify whether the
terms are defined formally or informally. In the first column, write FD if the
definition is formal, and ID if informal. If the definition is formal, proceed with
answering the 2nd and 3rd columns by writing the genus and differentiae. If the
definition is informal, leave the 2nd and 3rd column blank.

1. The endocrine system is a collection of glands that produce hormones to

regulate the body’s growth, metabolism, and sexual development and
function.
2. Green maps like conventional road maps provide practical information for
residents and visitors by using a set of icons.
3. Computer-Assisted Language Learning is an approach in teaching language.
4. A triangle is a plane figure bounded by three straight lines having three
angles.
5. Sealing is the process of closing gaps, holes, or seams in aircraft structures
to prevent the flow of gases.

Type of Definition Genus or Class Differentiae

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

What is More?

extended definition
A sentence definition, “An electrophorous is an instrument used to
generate static electricity.” tell the reader the basic functions of the device, but
it leaves many questions unanswered: How does it work? What does it look
like? An extended definition shall answer these questions. Extended definitions
clarifies and makes a detailed definition of an object, process or idea.

Extended definitions are commonly used when a reader must fully

understand a term to successfully use a document.
 methods in expanding definitions
1. Cause and Effect- writers use this strategy to illustrate relationship among
several events. It is usually used in terms that refer to a process or a system.
2. Classification- is used in extended definitions when a writer needs to break a
term into types or categories and discusses the similarities and differences
among the categories.
3. Comparison and Contrast- writers use comparison and contrast to show
readers the similarities and differences between the term being defined and
another relevant term.
4. Etymology- is the study of the history of individual words. The term derives
from the Greek etymon (true meaning) and logos (word). Writers rarely use
etymology alone in an expanded definition, they often include it with other
techniques.
5. Examples- Another way to expand a definition is to provide examples of the
term. This is particularly effective for nonexpert readers who need to
understand the variety included in one term.
6. Description- A detailed description of a term being defined will expand the
definition. Reading about the physical properties of a term often helps
readers to visualize the concept or object and remember it more readily.
7. Method of Operation or Process- Another effective strategy for expanding a
definition is to explain how the object representing the term works, such as
how a scanner reads images, stores them on disks, and prints them. A writer
may also expand a definition of a system by describing the steps in the
process.
8. Negation- writers occasionally expand a definition by explaining what a term
does not include.

What I Have Learned

assignment
Directions: Research for five specialized terminology or vocabulary
related to your chosen field of interest or future career choice, and its formal
definition. Create a table with the term/species, genus/class and the
differentiae. Write your answers on a separate answer sheet.

Term/Species Genus or Class Differentiae

 writing task
Directions: Improve the definitions below by transforming it into a
formal definition. Write your answers on your subject notebook.

1. A puppet is a small figure of a person or animal.

2. An obituary is a brief biography.
3. A place kick is a football maneuver.
4. A scalpel is a thin sharp knife
5. An eyelid protects the eyeball.

seatwork
Directions: Identify the type or method of extended definition being
used in the statements below. Write your answers on your subject notebook.

1. Radio and television were both used for entertainment and information
dissemination. But unlike television, radio needs to exaggerate and make
script more moving for it lacks visual elements.
2. Morphalaxis is the regeneration of a part by means of structure and
reorganization with only limited production of new cells. The word is
derived from the Latin morpho – structure or shape; and the Greek allexis –
exchange.
3. What is a city? It means sidewalk bustling with people, crowded stores, and
traffic-field streets. A city is also homes, buildings, and factories, the places
where people live and work. But more importantly, a city is a place people
travel to share in concerts, conventions and sporting events. A city is people
acting our their culture.
4. Interactive reporting is a kind of writing that tries to give meaning to bare
facts. It is not objective reporting which merely recounts events or
occurrences; rather, interpretative reporting attempts to explain and relate
events to each other, their interpretation, including long-term effects.
5. Energy efficiency includes any or all of the following: retrofitting, use of
energy-efficient lighting and setting up automation devices which can
monitor and control energy consumption without sacrificing convenience.
 group task
Directions: With your group, chose and develop a concept from the
choices below by writing a one-paragraph expanded definition. Do not forget to
include a title.

Place your work on a short bond paper (Arial, 11). Only one copy per
group is required. Do not forget to place the name of all the members in your
submission.

a. A computer activity
b. A recent scientific discovery
c. A business trend
d. A useful machine

References:

Manalo, P. E., & Fermin, V. E. (2007). Technical and Report Writing.

National Book Store.
Portillo, R., Gamboa, I., Flores, V., Quindara, M. C., Isles, M., Bacungan, A.,
Manzano, C., & Alberca, C. (2003). Research and Technical Writing. Trinitas
Publishing Inc.
Tiongo-Manguerra, M. (2008). Technical Writing Basics Content and Form
(Revised Edition). Evelyn Obo-Rayos Publishing House