Informative+Definitions

PRACTICE 2-7

GIVING INFORMATIVE DEFINITIONS

1. When defining, always choose a specific group that gives the audience enough information. Next to each letter below is a list of three related terms. Below each list, you will find a general group name. Give a more informative, specific group name. For example:

lemon, orange, lime **General group:** fruit
 * Specific group:** citrus fruit

a. **Related Terms:** parrot, parakeet, canary
 * General Group:** birds
 * Specific Group:** __**Pet Birds**__

b. **Related Terms:** guitar, violin, cello
 * General Group:** instruments
 * Specific Group:** __**String Instruments**__

c. **Related Terms:** lizard, crocodile, snake
 * General Group:** animals
 * Specific Group:** **__Reptiles__**

d. **Related Terms:** Berlin, Rome, Madrid
 * General Group:** cities
 * Specific Group:** **__European Capitals__**

e. **Related Terms:** inauguration, wedding, bar mitzvah
 * General Group:** events
 * Specific Group:** __**Initiation Ceremonies**__

2. Choose one term from Items 1a−1e above and key a complete and informative three-part sentence definition for it in the space below. A guitar is a string instrument that you play by plucking or strumming the strings.

3. In each sentence below, the group is too general to be helpful. Revise the definitions, using a more informative, specific group. For example:

The wrist is a __spot__ between the human hand and the human forearm. The wrist is a __joint__ between the human hand and the human forearm.

a. A gesture is __something__ that communicates an idea, a sentiment, or an attitude. A gesture is a __motion of the hands or body__ that communicates an idea, a sentiment, or an attitude. b. Punch is a __liquid__ made from several ingredients. Punch is a __iced mixed drink__ made from several ingredients. c. A dungeon is a __cold, dark place__, usually underground. A dungeon is a __dark prison for criminals__, usually underground. d. //Shish kebab// is a term for __pieces of seasoned meat, and sometimes vegetables, roasted on skewers and served with condiments__. //Shish kebab// is a term for a __skewer with cubes of meat marinated and cooked on, usually with vegetables__. e. A match is an __item__ tipped with a mixture that ignites when subjected to friction. A match is a __lighter made of wood__ tipped with a mixture that ignites when subjected to friction.