Extended definition and rationale

For this two-part assignment, you are responding to the following real-life situation: 

Northwest and Southeast campus course offerings in the next few semesters will include an increase in blended sections as well as a new option for synchronous online sections.  To ensure new and returning students choose the modality that will best meet their needs, a resource document that includes extended definitions of each modality is being created as a resource for advisors and students.    

Part 1 – Extended Definition

Write an extended definition of one of the following modalities: a) blended or b) synchronous. 

Begin your extended definition with a sentence definition.

From here, there several definition strategies you can use to write your extended definition. Use at least two of these strategies.

• Visuals: provide a graphic representation of a topic. For example, for a definition of the water cycle, the writer might use a visual illustration of the process to supplement his or her written QUESTION.
• Examples: explain an abstract or complicated topic. For example, for a definition of compound exercise, the writer might provide several compound exercises as examples (squat, bench press, deadlift, etc.).
• Partition: divides complex topics into multiple categories. For example, for a definition of diabetes, the writer would want to partition the three kinds of diabetes (type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes) and discuss them one at a time rather than try to define them all at the same time.
• Principle of Operation: defines a process or an object involved in a process; as such, it is likely to appear in documents like a user’s manual or instructions. For example, for a definition of four wheel drive, the writer could explain, step-by-step, how four-wheel drive works.
• Comparison and Contrast: useful when the topic consists of two categories with clear similarities and differences. For example, for a definition of electric current, the writer might want to set up the definition as a comparison/contrast between the two types of electric current: alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC).
• Analogy: draws a comparison between the topic and something likely already familiar to readers. For example, for a definition of central processing unit, the writer might want to draw an analogy between how a CPU works and how the human brain works.
• Negation: defines the concept by what it is not. For example, one way to define automatic transmission would be to explain how it is different from manual transmission, its predecessor.
• Etymology: explains where the name of the topic comes from. For example, for a definition of tyrannosaurus rex, the writer might explain that the name comes from the Greek words meaning “tyrant” and “lizard” and the Latin word meaning “king.” Typically, your extended definition will proceed from general to specific; start with the broad information—the “basics”—that your readers would need to know about your topic. Gradually make your paragraphs more and more specific, but remember that your larger document and your audience will determine how specific you need to get. 

Part 2 – Rationale

Write a two-paragraph explanation to your instructor of your choices.  In it, include: 

• why you chose the modality you did
• if you conducted any additional research, how you did and what resources you consulted
• why you included the content you did
• how your audience affected the way you wrote the definition
• why you used the definition strategies you did
• why you used the specific language you did (word choice)