Organizational Patterns: Definition

Synonym – what are words or things that mean or do the same thing?

• When we say that ____=blank, the equivalent basic sentence structure then becomes: “________ is _________.”  However, you can revise such a basic structure to sound more creative.

• Think beyond the standard idea of synonyms to provide qualities that you believe are similar that others may not necessarily have or understand until you provide them! 
• For example: “A smart person learns from mistakes.” 

• Reflect on this: What are things your subject does? Actions that exemplify it?

• Creatively, figuratively: you could use metaphors, similes, and other figures of speech to create synonyms (this also falls under "illustration"):

• For aggressive behavior: Brady's a shark when it comes to selling things. (metaphor)
• For annoying.   Kelly chews his food like a weedwacker. (simile)
• For fear: The drill sergeant's screams ripped my heart into a thousand tiny pieces the first week of bootcamp. (hyperbole and metaphor)

Negation – what is your word or thing not?

•  Defining a word by examples of things or ideas that you do not find are part of your definition can be a good thing, especially if you are negating an idea that others believe.

• For example: “A celebrity is not a hero simply because they are famous. A hero does not have to be famous.”

• Negation is also really good for providing, obviously, nice contrasting images/senses.  

• For example: "A weak man does not cry; he does not care about what happens to others." 

• Such a comment gives some tonal understanding to your audience when used effectively.

• Again, you can also use figures of speech to show the opposite behavior (which can be fun to attempt). 

  
Classify – what is a category that your word can fit into? (Yes, it's both it's own and part of defining)

• Putting your word into a category of things that you find it relates to often helps illustrate your definition to readers.

• For example: “I see two types of evil people in the world: the first is a person who is intentionally cruel, and the second is a person who does not know that their actions are destroying others.”

 Illustration/Example 

• "Story with a point"

• Ask yourself: What's an example that allows us to see the word being put to use in daily life/history/?

• Describe physical action or characteristics

• Detail, detail, detail. Who does what where and when and why and how is it relevant to the meaning of the word/subject matter?

• Language that attempts to show/help reader visualize
• literal picture
• figurative picture