Mark Twain's Essay: Who Is The Writer Defining?

1. What term is the writer defining? Does the essay include a formal definition? If so, where? If no formal definition is included, should one be added?

The writer defines the term ‘courage’. The essay includes how the term may be ambiguous to some, which leads to possible misinterpretation of the word. The write does mentioned how courage can be both mental and physical. However, it will be better if the write does add the formal definition of the word right before when he talks about the ambiguity of the word because in that way it allows the reader to compare and contrast the formal and the extended definitions.

2. Why is the writer defining the term? Does the essay include a thesis statement that makes the purpose clear? If not, suggest

revisions.

The writer definitely conveys a purpose of why he is defining this specific term. In his thesis statement, he states that some are viewing courage incorrectly and through his extended definition, he desires to display what courage really is. Therefore, I believe that his thesis statement doesn’t need revision.

3. What patterns does the writer use to develop the definition? What patterns could be used? Would a visual be helpful?

Since the purpose of this extended definition is to alter people’s interpretation of the word courage, the entire essay follows the structure of first identifying the problem and presenting a solution, which in this case is his own definition of the term. He started out broad, mentioning the formal definition and how it’s exhibit in our everyday life. As the paragraphs go on, he begins to be more specific and personal, providing anecdote and his own interpretation. I believe that this is an effective pattern only if he had provided more details on his own definition of the word.

4. Does the essay define the term appropriately for its audience? Does the definition help you understand the meaning of the term?

The term that the write defines is courage. I believe that everyone is familiar with this word and it can be relatable to our everyday life. However, since everyone has different experiences and come from dissimilar backgrounds, we all relate to courage differently. Therefore, the writer seems more like sharing his own definition of the word, providing an insight of how courage is demonstrated on the sports field.

5. Does the writer use synonyms to develop the definition? If so, Where? If not, where could synonyms be used to help communicate the term’s meaning?

The writer doesn’t have any synonyms to develop the definition. However, I feel like it is definitely necessary and will make the overall essay more effective. Since the writer is rebuking the misconception of courage, he can include a few synonyms that even though they may be similar in definition, they are very likely to cause a confusion or misconception.

6. Does the writer use negation to develop the definition? If so, where? If not, could the writer strengthen the definition by explaining what the term is not?

The write does utilize negative to develop the definition.

After he introduces the word that he is defining, he talks about what the term doesn’t represent. For instance, he mentions how bullying isn’t a form of courage. By including the negation, the writer does strengthens his essay by being more specific on the definition and therefore, being more accurate.

7. Does the writer use enumeration to develop the definition? If so, where? If not, where in the essay might the writer list the term’s special characteristics?

The writer didn’t use enumeration to develop the definition. In his essay, he only states how courage can be both physically and mentally. When he is explaining and giving evidence for these two ideas, he didn’t use many examples. Thus, I feel like using enumeration, such as listing out what kind of actions are considered as being mentally courageous, will be helpful to strengthen his supporting points. However, overusing this technique can also lead to unwanted results, such as repetition, or even worse, confusing the readers.

8. Does the writer use analogies to develop the definition? If so, where? Do you find these analogies helpful? What additional analogies might help readers understand the term more

fully?

The writer doesn’t use any analogy his development of the definition. However, I do feel like the presence of analogy will definitely make his argument or supporting points much more clear and descriptive. For example by connecting courage to a sporting event, it can make a personal connection to the readers who also participants in sports. Thus, it will be easier for them to absorb this extended definition because it is relatable to them.

9. Does the writer explain the term’s origin and development? If so, where? If not, do you believe this information should be added?

The writer doesn’t explain the term’s origin and development. For his topic, or the term he has chosen, I do feel like it would be necessary for him to add in the term’s origin. Since the definition didn’t change during the course of time, there is no point in putting this information. However, if we were to define humor, it might be more suitable since the ancient definition is totally different from the definition that we have today.

10. Reread the essay’s introduction. If the writer uses a formal definition as an opening strategy, try to suggest an alternative opening.

The writer doesn’t use a formal definition as and opening strategy. Instead, he first gives a description of what this word means to him and his own personal definition. Moreover, he didn’t provide a formal definition at all in his essay. I suggest his to include the formal definition right before he mentions his thesis statement. Putting it there makes it easier for the readers to identify what he is going to rebuke about.