Approaches to Conveying Information

Denition - identify essential qualities and meaning of something Operational denition: Denes something by explaining what it does. ! ! ! ! For example: A computer is something that processes information.

Denition by negation: Denes something by describing what it is not. ! For example: Courage is not the absence of fear.

Denition of example: Denes something by providing several concrete examples of it. ! ! ! ! For example: Health professionals include doctors, nurses, EMTs, and ambulance drivers.

Denition of synonym: Denes something by comparing it to something with which it is synonymous. ! ! For example: A friend is a comrade or a buddy.

Denition by etymology (word origin): Denes something by illustrating the root meaning of the word in question. ! ! ! ! ! ! For example: Our word rival derives from the French word, which in turn derives from the Latin word rivalis. The original meaning of rivalis is !one living near or using the same stream.

Description - provides an array of details that paint a mental picture of your topic; offers a vivid portrayal of the topic ! ! ! ! For example: describe the top of Mount Everest, describe a painting by Pablo Piscasso, or describe a bullght in Pamplona, Spain

Demonstration - verbally or physically demonstrate how something works ! ! For example: childproong your home or bidding on eBay

Explanation - beyond dening and describing; provides reasons or causes, demonstrates relationships, and offer interpretation and analysis ! ! For example: Whats the relationship between the brain and the body?