Three Ways of Explaining a Concept

Before writing your concept paper you have to learn how to explain your
concept first. You can accomplish this through using definition, explication and
clarification.

DEFINITION is the method of identifying a given term and making its

meaning clearer. Its main purpose is to answer the question, “What does it
mean?” This mode of explanation contains the term to be defined and the
detailed exposition of the term through the use of illustration, examples and
description.
Signal Words used in Definition
Refers to is known as is defined as
Means as defined to illustrate

A definition can be presented in three ways: informal, formal and

extended
a. An informal definition is done through a parenthetical or brief
explanation.
Example:
1. Tocopherol (Vitamin E) is usually found in vegetable oil,
fish and nuts.
2. A business plan contains business goals is a formal
written document.
b. A formal definition explains a term by incorporating a pattern:
species (the term being defined);
genus (the general category/group to where the term
belongs)
differentia (the quality which makes the term different from
other terms in the same category/group)
Example:
 1. Tocopherol (Vitamin E) is a light yellow fat-soluble
vitamin which acts as an antioxidant.
Species: Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
Genus: vitamin
Differentia: used as antioxidants
2. A business plan is a formal written document which contains
business goals, the methods on how these goals can be attained
and the time frame within which these goals need to be achieved.
Species: business plan
Genus: document
Differentia: contains business goals, the methods on
how these goals can be attained and the time frame
within which these goals need to be achieved
Whenever we define terms, there are times that we miss the genus or the
differentia. As a result, our definition becomes informal for there are only two
elements that we are able to present. But there is no room for worries since
using informal and formal definition in researches and proposals are both
acceptable.
c. An extended definition is a detailed way of defining a term and is
usually composed of at least one paragraph. This type of definition incorporates
various patterns of development such as formal and informal definition,
comparison and contrast narration, description, classification, functional
analysis, process, analogy, and cause and effect to explain a given concept.
1. Tocopherol (Vitamin E) is a light yellow fat-soluble vitamin
which acts as an antioxidant. Because the vitamin activity was first identified
in 1936 from a dietary fertility factor in rats, it was given the name “
tocopherol” using Greek words, “tokos” which means birth and “pherein” that
is to bear or carry; with its meaning in sum, to carry a pregnancy with an
ending “–ol” signifying its status as a chemical alcohol. This vitamin features a
chromane ring, with a hydroxyl group that can donate a hydrogen atom to
reduce free radicals and a hydrophobic side chain that allows for penetration
into biological membranes.
(The example below used a combination of formal and informal
definition, cause and effect, process and descriptions)
2. A business plan is a formal written document which contains
business goals, the methods on how these goals can be attained
 and the time frame within which these goals need to be achieved. It
also describes the nature of the business, background information
on the organization, the organization’s financial projections and the
strategies it intends to implement to achieve the stated targets.
Traditionally business plans have been highly confidential and
quite limited in the audience. The business plan itself is regarded
as a secret. However, these days, we have what we call an open
business plan which is intended for unlimited audience. It a plan
that is typically web published and made available for all.
(The example used a combination of formal and informal definition,
description, comparison and contrast)
With the three types of definition presented, it is very evident that
each type has a distinct feature among others. Take note of these differences
for you may use all of them in writing your concept paper.
EXPLICATION is a method of explanation in which sentences, verses, quotes
or passages are taken from literary or academic work and then interpreted and
explained in a detailed way. When using this technique, you need to clearly
present your 1. thesis (your claim/premise about the literary or academic work
you are analysing/interpreting) in the introduction and follow it up with a
2.detailed analysis of the passage or text. You may begin the body of the
explication by analysing and explaining how the text is constructed. You
explication should end with a concise 3. conclusion by stating your thesis and
major arguments.

Sample Explication from an Academic Work:

The text is about the inevitability of change among our lives.
( claim / premise) The author presents instances such as growth, old age and
death. He mentioned the life of man which undergoes a number of changes
from birth to death. Different aspects which change among humans such as
the physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, social and the like where also
presented. (detailed analysis/interpretation) The text is making readers
realize that no one is an exemption to change.
Sample Explication from an Academic Work
Figure 1.1
Students Enrolled Under Academic and TVL Strands in Bato RDHS
SY 2019-2020
ACADEMIC STRANDS Number of Enrolees
STEM 43
 HUMMS 55
GAS 56
ABM 23
Total 177
TVL STRAND
EIM 65
EPAS 59
CARPENTRY 44
BPP/COOKERY 60
DRESSMAKING 49
Total 277

Figure1.1 shows the enrolment on both Academic and TVL strands

in Bato RDHS for school year 2019-2020 (claim/premise) Academic Strand
enrolees equalled to 177. On one hand, TVL Strand enrolees reached 277
which doubled the number of enrolees under Academic strand. Among the five
TVL tracks offered, EIM got the highest number which is 65; followed by
BPP/COOKERY-60; EPAS-59; DRESSMAKING-49; and Carpentry-44. However,
under the Academic strand, GAS obtained the highest number of enrolees, that
is 56. Next to it is HUMMS with 55; STEM with 43 and ABM having the lowest
number that is 23. ( Detailed analysis/interpretation of the text/data)
The table also reflects that most students preferred TVL strand over
Academic strand. (Conclusion)

CLARIFICATION is a method of explanation in which the points are organized

from a general abstract to specific and concrete examples. It entails the
analysis if the concept by looking and the examples and specifying some of its
characteristics to arrive at one working definition which can be used
throughout the paper.
Signal Words used in Clarification
After all for instance namely that is
As an example in other words put another way to be
specific
Consider the following in particular specifically to clarify
For example in short stated differently to
illustrate
Sample Clarification Text
Justice is a broad concept which encompasses a wide set of ideas, most
of which also branch out into smaller notions (topic sentence/general topic) .For
instance, it can refer to the sentencing of a criminal based on due process.
When an individual gets what he deserves, even outside the hands of the law, it
is also considered justice in some contexts. This may come in form of vigilante
justice, in which a person dissatisfied with the system doles out punishment to
wrong doers. Poetic justice is also another related concept which is used in
literature to show how the good is always rewarded while bad forces always
meet a grim end. In the context of this paper, justice will be clearly delineated
into any instance in which the law is successfully and fairly applied to an
individual, resulting in either an arrest or a release. To illustrate, if a thief is
caught and tried in court through due process, and is found to be guilty and
then sentenced accordingly, it can be said that justice was served. However, if
the same thief is caught in the act by a band of villagers and was beaten right
then and there, it will be considered justice in the context of the paper, as the
process has not undergone due process.