2015-07-14
364
The kind of paragraph that develops an idea by defining words or explaining thoughts is common in your text books.
E.g. The word “ liberty” is often interpreted incorrectly. The dictionary gives many exact definitions of the word; briefly it means “ freedom from restraint or control”.... Such brief definition leads to misinterpretation. Many people think liberty means they may do whatever they like, regardless of the effects. Liberty is not uncontrolled freedom. Real liberty involves thinking of the other fellow and giving up your desires if they will harm him. If it is to be enjoyed by everyone, then everyone must give up the idea that liberty means freedom from all restraint or control. Everyone must live by the true meanings: “ self-disciplined freedom.”
Writing a Paragraph
A. Study the paragraph defining liberty; discuss the following questions or answer them in writing:
1) In how many ways does the paragraph define liberty?
2) Why is the dictionary definition alone unsatisfactory?
3) Point out the topic sentence and effective means that emphasise the central idea.
4) Quote the sentence that tells what liberty is not.
B. Develop one of the ideas by the use of definitions. Tell what the word or thing is not as well as what it is:
1) If one is called a “hard-boiled” person it means...
2) If one is called an impetuous person it means...
3) If one is called a long-suffering person it implies that...
4) If one is unrelenting with self and others it means...
5) If one is opinionated and bossy it follows that...
6) If one is sensitive and sympathetic it suggests that...
7) If one is cross and insensitive it means...
8) If one is lazy and impractical it means…
9) If one is spineless it follows that…
10) If one is good at decision making it implies that…
