DefinitionA MODE OF WRITING

What is a MODE of writing?MODE is a category of writing

1. narrative

2. definition

3. compare and contrast

4. classification, etc.

You will learn different modes each year here at OCSA.

These can be “mixed” like different karate moves/forms into different DOMAINS of writing:

1. Narrative

2. Explanatory

3. Argumentative

A search for truth…There are some words and concepts that we need not debate over. The terms, in other words, are concrete; we can touch it, taste it, smell it, feel it, see it without debate.

◦ Hence, concrete language is language that describes specific, observable things, people, or places, rather than ideas or qualities.◦ Examples: green, desk, walking, puppy, water, etc..

A search for truth… As we mature and even cognitively grow, we gain the capacity to entertain abstract ideas and concepts. ◦ We, therefore, need language to describe these abstract terms such

as freedom, success, love, government, or any “-isms”: feminism, patriotism, nationalism, etc.

Hence, while the observable or “physical” is usually described in concrete language, abstract language is language that describes concepts rather than concrete images: ideas and qualities rather than observable or specific things, people, or places.

Before we begin Animal Farm…I invite you to define some abstract terms inherent to the text.

Hopefully, you will see that this exercise is not just an academic assignment…but one that prepares to you exercise an important process of being an individual and independent thinker:

1. What is XXX?

2. What is another way to describe or explain it?

3. What is it not???

4. And what roots of the word might inform my understanding and application of it in XYZ context?

Now what? We’re headed to the IMMRC!

You have signed up for (or been assigned) a term having to do with government. We will spend about an hour in the IMMRC researching your term, and writing a definition paragraph.

Please note:◦ Your terms will not have exact synonyms: you will simply need to find a synonym for one aspect of the

definition◦ Your final draft definition paragraph will be due next class◦ I have written a sample paragraph for you to reference on the back of your handout. Please utilize this to

get a good idea of what your paragraph should look like!◦ You will be an “expert” on your term for next class. Make sure you really understand what its all about!