Three Ways of Explaining a Concept

1. Definition is the method of

identifying a term and making it
clearer.

Three Types of Definition :

Informal Definition - which is done by
simply providing a brief explanation of a
term or concept.

For example, Vitamin E is naturally found

in vegetable oil, fish and nuts.

Formal Definition- It is done by

incorporating the term to be defined
(species), the category of the term (genus)
and the quality that makes it unique from
other items in the category

For example, Vitamin E is a fat-soluble

vitamin that acts as an antioxidant.

Extended Definition- which is a detailed

way of explaining a concept and may be a
paragraph long.
- the different patterns of definition
(analogy, comparison, contrast,
analysis, function, etymology,
synonyms, negation and illustration)
 2. Explication -is done by snipping
certain lines, phrases, verses, (or
even the entire text itself) and the
interpreting them in detail.
- Literary technique in criticism and
research, used for a close analysis of
an excerpt or text taken from a
lengthy piece of work.
- “explication de texte,” - French
word- explanation of a text
- graphic designs such as posters,
billboards, commercials and digital
media
- industrial and fashion designs,
furniture.
Steps in Writing a Reaction Paper, Review
and Critique

- usually tells about figures of speech, 1. Read and study the material.
tone, setting, connotations, points of 2. Annotate the text you read.
view, themes, contrasts, and anything 3. Ask questions as you read.
else that could add to the meaning of 4. Free write.
a text. 5. Decide on your angle and determine your
thesis.
3. Clarification- entails the analysis of 6. Organize your paper.
a concept by looking at the examples 7. Gather quotations.
and specifying some of its 8. Structure your paragraph
characteristics to arrive at one
working definition which can be
used throughout the paper.
- In simpler terms, take a concept,
break it down into its component
types or examples and then, explain
the examples

REACTION PAPER, A REVIEW, AND A CRITIQUE

- contain 250 to 750 words in length.
- are examples of a more academic
form of argumentative
- (Title, Introduction, Body and
Conclusion) and components CRITIQUE PAPER
(Proponents, Claim, Counterclaim - as argumentative text.
and Refutation) - if you are to write a critique about a
film or any other work of art or
(specialized forms of academic writing in academic text, it is imperative that
which a reviewer or reader evaluates ) you are also an expert on it.
Otherwise, you are not qualified to
- a scholarly work such as academic write a critique.
books and articles a work of art such
- as performance art, plat, dance,
sports, film and exhibits