GIVING EXPANDED

DEFINITION OF WORDS

Quarter 4, Week 3
 OBJECTIVES
After going through this lesson, you are
expected to:
1. give the importance of forming the expanded
definitions of words;
2. determine the different techniques of
expanded definitions; and,
3. use a variety of techniques in expanding
definitions.
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 Introduction

An expanded definition is an important

writing tool you will need if you are writing for
a person who is not an expert or specialist in
a particular subject. An expanded definition
explains a complex or unfamiliar term to
make it easier to understand which is
important to effective communication.

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 Expanded Definition

An expanded definition defines and

explains a single term, concept, or
object, pins down the meaning of a
specific word, or defines an abstract
concept, and goes deeper than a
simple dictionary definition.

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 Techniques in Expanding Definition

1. Etymology explains the origin of the

word itself.
Example: Using the example term
“arbitration”:
Arbitration comes from the Latin judicium
which means “judgment”.

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 Techniques in Expanding Definition

2. History discusses the history of the

term, its use, and controversies associated
with it.
Example:
The use of arbitration as third-party
mediation dates from the 1630s.

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 Techniques in Expanding Definition

3. Cause and Effect discusses how the situation came

about and what effects it may have.
Example:
An arbitration clause is considered to be ambiguous when
the parties do not express clearly, that in case of conflict,
the method to use to settle the disagreements will be
arbitration. Hence, parties are compelled to refrain from
signing confusing agreements to arbitrate, because the
general rule is that arbitration is prompted out of the
contract, and if there is not an explicit arbitration clause
within the contract it would not be an agreement to
arbitrate.
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 Techniques in Expanding Definition

4. Description lists and defines the term.

Example:
Arbitration is the process of solving an
argument between people by helping them to
agree to an acceptable solution. It is the
formal process of having an outside
person, chosen by both sides to a
disagreement to end the disagreement.
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 Techniques in Expanding Definition

5. Principles of Operation discusses how something

functions, including any special materials or conditions
required.
Example:
Arbitration is conducted by a trained arbiter who sets
down the rules that the parties must abide by. The object
of arbitration is to obtain a fair resolution of disputes by an
impartial third party without unnecessary expense or delay.
Parties should be free to agree on how their disputes are
resolved, subject only to such safeguards as are necessary
for the public interest. Courts should not interfere.
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 Techniques in Expanding Definition

6. Classification shows how the topic fits

into a larger category.

Example:
Arbitration is one of the alternatives to
going into a formal court to settle disputes.

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 Techniques in Expanding Definition

7. Contrast shows how the topic differs from others

in the same class.

Example:

In an arbitration proceeding, no lawyers are present.

The main difference between arbitration and
litigation law is that the court is involved in the case of
litigation, as it is a lawsuit, whereas, in arbitration, a
settlement between the parties is done outside of court.
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 Techniques in Expanding Definition

8. Comparison shows how the topic is

similar to others in the class.

Example:

As with lawsuits or other court proceedings,

the decision in an arbitration proceeding is
legally binding on the parties.
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 Techniques in Expanding Definition

9. Analogy explains and compares two

dissimilar topics, where the second is familiar
to the audience.

Example:
An arbiter is like a referee–he or she listens to
both sides and decides as to who is at fault,
without the intervention of outside parties.
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 Techniques in Expanding Definition

10. Examples represent other things because they

have all the main qualities or characteristics that the
thing they represent also have.

Example:
Arbitration was used to settle the dispute between
the labor union and management.
Two people who are divorcing cannot agree on
terms and allow a third party to come in to help them
negotiate.
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 Techniques in Expanding Definition

11. Illustrations are pictures in a book,

magazine, etc. or the process of illustrating
something.
Examples:

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 APPLICATION

How are you going to apply the

concept of arbitration in daily
living?

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 GENERALIZATION
What are the 11 Techniques in
Expanding Definitions?
Illustrations
Etymology Description Comparison

Principles of Operation Analogy

History
Classification Examples
Cause and Effect Contrast
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 EVALUATION

PERFORMANCE TASK. WRITING PROMPT!

Directions: Explain in a five-sentence
paragraph the importance of giving expanded
definitions. This task is worth 15 points.
Scoring rubric: Completeness- 10 points
Grammar - 5 points

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 THANK YOU!

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