Time
40-60 minutes
Learning Outcomes
- Read about the characteristics of good definitions
- Apply the conventions of definitions and definition essays as you compose your own definition of the word literacy
- Practice favorite brainstorming techniques as you plan to write a hypothetical definition essay
Prerequisite Reading
“Writing Definitions” (Purdue OWL)
“How to Write a Definition Essay” (Lumen)
“Literacy Learning in Postmodern Times” from Good Intentions (1999) by Nancy Grimm
Assignment Description
- As a group, discuss Grimm’s argument about what literacy is and how Grimm says we ought to define or “locate” it. (10-15 minutes)
- Synthesizing the main points of the discussion, each person will write one short definition (1-2 sentences) and one long definition (at least a good-sized paragraph) of the term literacy. (10-15 minutes)
- When everyone has finished writing, each person (or simply those who wish to) will share what they wrote and provide a brief rationale. (10-15 minutes)
- Following these explanations, have each person work with a partner and brainstorm ideas for turning these definitions into definition essays. Talk about personal insights and possible research ideas/source materials each writer could potentially draw from or explore. (10-15 minutes)
Note: They do not need to write a definition essay unless they wish to. The point of this final step is to practice good consulting strategies.
