Defining, Describing, Classifying, and Exemplifying
1. Defining
● Definition: A definition explains the meaning of a term, concept, or
phenomenon. It states what something is by identifying its essential
characteristics.
● Key Elements:
○ Term/Concept: The subject being defined.
○ Class/Category: The broader group to which the subject belongs.
○ Differentiating Features: What makes the subject unique from others
in the category.
● Purpose: To clarify meaning and avoid confusion.
● Example:
○ A triangle is a polygon (category) with three sides and three angles
(differentiating features).
2. Describing
● Definition: Describing involves explaining the features, characteristics, or
attributes of a subject. It answers the questions what, how, when, where, or
why.
● Types of Description:
○ Objective: Focuses on factual and observable details.
○ Subjective: Includes personal opinions, emotions, or interpretations.
● Purpose: To create a clear mental picture for the audience.
● Key Techniques:
○ Use sensory details (sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell).
○ Use adjectives, comparisons, and vivid language.
● Example:
○ The rose is red with soft velvety petals and emits a sweet fragrance.
3. Classifying
● Definition: Classifying involves organizing items, concepts, or ideas into
categories based on shared characteristics.
● Key Steps:
○ Identify the main concept or topic.
○ Determine the criteria for classification.
○ Group items into categories or subcategories.
● Purpose: To simplify understanding by organizing complex information.
● Example:
○ Animals can be classified into:
■ Mammals (e.g., humans, lions, whales),
■ Reptiles (e.g., snakes, turtles, lizards),
■ Birds (e.g., parrots, eagles, penguins).
4. Exemplifying
● Definition: Exemplifying involves providing examples to clarify, illustrate,
or support a concept, argument, or definition.
● Purpose: To make abstract ideas concrete and easier to understand.
● Techniques:
○ Use specific, relevant, and clear examples.
○ Examples can be real-life, hypothetical, or analogies.
● Example:
○ Renewable energy sources include solar power (energy from
sunlight), wind energy (power from wind turbines), and
hydroelectric energy (using water flow).
Summary Table
Concept Focus Purpose Example
Defining Meaning and To clarify what A square is a
essential features something is polygon with four
equal sides and
right angles.
Describing Features and To create a mental The forest is lush,
attributes picture green, and filled
with chirping
birds.
Classifying Organizing into To simplify and Plants can be
categories organize classified as herbs,
shrubs, and trees.
Exemplifying Providing To clarify or Fruits like apples,
examples illustrate bananas, and
oranges provide
vitamins.
Introduction, Body, and Conclusion, :
1. Introduction
● Definition: The introduction is the opening part of a text or presentation. It
introduces the topic and provides context.
● Purpose:
○ To grab the audience's attention.
○ To provide background information.
○ To state the purpose, main idea, or thesis of the content.
● Key Elements:
○ Hook: An attention-grabber (e.g., a question, quote, fact, or anecdote).
○ Background Information: Brief context or explanation of the topic.
○ Thesis Statement: The main idea or argument of the text.
● Techniques for Writing an Introduction:
○ Start with a broad idea and narrow it down to the thesis.
○ Keep it concise and relevant.
● Example:
○ Topic: The importance of education.
■ Hook: “Nelson Mandela once said, ‘Education is the most
powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’”
■ Background: Education plays a vital role in personal and
societal development.
■ Thesis: This essay discusses how education empowers
individuals, reduces poverty, and builds a better future.
2. Body
● Definition: The body is the main part of the text where the topic is
explained, argued, or analyzed in detail.
● Purpose:
○ To present and support the main idea or thesis.
○ To provide evidence, examples, and explanations.
● Structure of the Body:
○ Divide into paragraphs or sections. Each paragraph should focus on
one main point.
○ Use a topic sentence at the beginning of each paragraph to introduce
its main idea.
○ Support the topic sentence with:
■ Evidence: Facts, data, or examples.
■ Explanations: Clarify how the evidence supports the argument.
■ Transitions: Use connecting words to maintain flow (e.g.,
“furthermore,” “in addition,” “however”).
● Example:
○ Topic: The importance of education.
■ Main Point 1: Education empowers individuals.
■ Evidence: Educated people have better job opportunities.
■ Example: Higher literacy rates lead to increased
employment in communities.
■ Main Point 2: Education reduces poverty.
■ Evidence: Access to education raises income levels.
■ Example: In developing countries, primary education has
lifted millions out of poverty.
3. Conclusion
● Definition: The conclusion is the final part of a text that summarizes the
main ideas and provides a sense of closure.
● Purpose:
○ To restate the main idea or thesis.
○ To summarize the key points discussed.
○ To leave a lasting impression or provide a call to action.
● Key Elements:
○ Restatement of Thesis: Rephrase the main idea to remind the reader
of the purpose.
○ Summary of Main Points: Briefly highlight the key arguments or
ideas.
○ Closing Statement: A final thought, recommendation, or call to
action.
● Techniques for Writing a Conclusion:
○ Avoid introducing new ideas.
○ Use a strong and clear tone.
○ End with a memorable statement.
● Example:
○ Topic: The importance of education.
■ Restatement of Thesis: Education is essential for empowerment,
poverty reduction, and societal progress.
■ Summary: By creating opportunities and improving livelihoods,
education is the foundation of a better future.
■ Closing Statement: “Investing in education today ensures a
stronger, more equitable world tomorrow.”
Summary Table
Section Focus Purpose Key Elements Example Key
Idea
Introduction Opening and To introduce Hook, Start with a
context the topic and background, quote, then
thesis thesis state the topic.
statement
Body Main content To support the Topic Discuss how
and details thesis with sentences, education
evidence evidence, empowers
explanations individuals.
Conclusion Summary and To restate and Restate thesis, Education
closure summarize summarize, leads to
key points closing societal
thought progress.
