Lesson Objectives

a. define expanded definition and identify its purposes;

b. identify and explain the different approaches in
writing expanded definitions; and
c. write expanded definitions.
Choose one and talk about it in class. You could include
information that you think about the topic in your
presentation.
family Computer games friends

books love happiness

holiday disease beauty
Christmas Valentine’s Day kindness
Study this Example
1. What is the term being defined?
2. What aspects of the definition were considered in the
graphic organizer?
3. Was the graphic organizer helpful to you? In what
way?
A. FORMAL DEFINITION- consists of three parts; the
term, the part of speech such as a noun or a verb, and all the
traits or characteristics that are specific to that term. The
dictionary is filled with formal definitions, but it is not the
only place where you will find it. In textbooks, you may find
formal definitions of terms at the beginning, at the end of a
chapter, or in the glossary, which is a mini dictionary of
terms.
INFORMAL DEFINITION- In an INFORMAL
DEFINITION, the writer uses common words to explain
unknown terms. These definitions maybe synonyms or
antonyms .
Example:
FORMAL INFORMAL
Much, many lots of / a lot of
Completely strongly Totally Definitely
EXTENDED DEFINITION - Extended definitions generally
have components of both informal and formal definitions.
However, as the name suggests, the author uses a number of
other techniques to define a word, concept, or phrase,
including , memory of sound, sight, touch, hearing, or smell.
 What is expanded definition?

Expanded definition, also called as extended definition, is a

type of technical definition that is used when certain word
or phrase needs to be explained with much detail or to be
defined in a particular context or situation.
 What is technical definition?

Technical definition is a specialized definition or definition

based on a particular field of study.
 Example of an expanded definition

Poverty is the state of having insufficient resources or

possessions. People who suffer from poverty include the
homeless. They are seen on the streets begging for alms, their
clothes are dirty and sometimes tattered and their feet are bare.
Also, informal settlers live in poverty, even though, they have
home. The unemployed and the large families with only one
breadwinner are among the poor, too.
 Purposes of an Expanded Definition

a.To explain the history of a word or term

b. To illustrate an abstract concept with the use of
concrete examples
c. To clarify the meaning of a term in a particular
context.
d. To explain the basics before the discussion of the main
subject matter
 Approaches in Writing Expanded
Definition
1. Using visual aids.
Some authors use visual aids such as graphs, charts, diagrams,
pictures, and drawing in making an expanded definition. With
visual aids, a concept or a process can be much easier for the
readers to understand. Also, visual aids can benefit visual
learners, who learn better when they see something illustrated or
demonstrated.
 Example:
Profit is the money earned in business after all the expenses are
paid. In order for a business to gain profit , the total sales should
be more than total expenses. When the expenses are equal to or
more than the sales, the company gains no profit. In calculating
the profit, the total amount of expenses is deducted from the total
sales amount. Suppose a company has a total sales of 100,000 pesos
and a total cost of 70,000 pesos for expenses. Then the profits
amounts to 30, 000 pesos.
P 100,000 Total sales
P- 70, 000 Expenses
 Approaches in Writing Expanded
Definition
2. Comparing and contrasting
To compare and contrast things is to look at their
similarities and differences. By making comparisons, it is
easier for the readers to understand the meaning of a word
or a term.
Example:
Fifty years ago, people had relatively, small carbon footprints,
which are the sum of their greenhouse emissions. This is
because many people were doing their work manually. Also,
the use of automobiles and technological devices was not
prevalent before, resulting in lower amounts of greenhouse
gas emissions. The huge number of people, the widespread
use of vehicles and electronic gadgets, and the large number
of factories contribute to our greenhouse gas emissions at
present. These factors have, in turn, increased our carbon
footprints.
 Approaches in Writing Expanded
Definition
3.Providing Examples
Providing examples to readers gives them a concrete idea
of the meaning of a word or term. Through the examples, a
concept that may be unfamiliar to the readers is elaborated.
Example:

Stringed instruments are group of instruments

known to produce sounds through the vibration of
stretched strings, which are usually made of
metal, vegetable fiber, animal gut, silk, plastic, or
nylon. Musical instruments such as lutes, zithers,
and harps belong to the family of stringed
instruments.
 Approaches in Writing Expanded
Definition
4.Using cause and effect
If a term refers to an event, giving the causes or
effects helps you to explain it. The details of such
definition answer the questions “Why did it occur?
and What are its effects?”
Example:

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that usually affects

the lungs. It is caused by a bacterium called
Mycobacterium tuberculosis and spreads through the air
when an infected person coughs, spits, sneezes, laughs, or
talks. Effects of tuberculosis on the body include: coughing
that lasts for three or more weeks, coughing up blood,
chest pain, unintentional weight loss, fever, fatigue, night
sweats, loss of appetite, and chills.
 Approaches in Writing Expanded
5.Providing descriptions
Definition
An expanded definition can have extensive details
regarding the attributes or components of a certain
subject. The parts of the subject is described in
terms of how it is perceived by one’s senses. For
instance, one can write an expanded definition by
stating the texture, color, smell, shape, and sound of
a particular thing.
Example:

A basketball court is where people play basketball. It is a

rectangular playing surface with baskets on both ends. In a
professional basketball court, the floor is usually made of
wood, often maple, which is highly polished and completed
with a 10-foot rim. When the game is played outdoors, the
court is generally made from standard paving materials
such as asphalt or concrete. The court comes in different
sizes depending on the situation.
 Steps in Writing an Expanded Definition :

❖Start with a technical definition of the term you are

defining.
❖Determine your readers and evaluate whether they are
familiar with the concept.
Consider all the approaches in writing expanded
definition
Choose one approach that would best explain the
concept
Tips in Writing an Expanded Definition of a Word:
❏ Do not limit to a single approach.
❏ Make sure you use words that are easy to
understand.
❏ Do not use mere restatements in defining the
term.
❏ Repeating the term being defined does not make
the concept clearer to the readers.
❏ Use the third person point of view.
Group Work:
Write your own expanded definition of the following
terms using appropriate approach.
❏Group 1 Global Warming
❏Group 2 Wi-Fi
❏Group 3 Research
❏Group 4 COVID- 19
❏Group 5 Computer Games
Group Work:
Each group will be rated according to the following
rubrics:
❏Content 10 pts
❏Organization of ideas 5 pts
❏Presentation 5 pts
 Using this exit ticket,
Name 3 things that I learned today….;
2 facts I found interesting…; and
1 question I still have …
 Assignment:
Directions: Write your own expanded
definition of the given terminologies.
Point out the approach that you have used to
extend the definition of the term.
1. Nationalism
2. Tradition
3. Environment
4. Calculator
5. Polynomial
It is important to learn how to write a
good expanded definition.
This skill enables you to explain the
basics or expound on a certain idea,
concept, or a principle.