Practice 6: Giving definitions

Descriptive paragraphs

Complete the following definitions by inserting a suitable category word or phrase from the box (There are more words than gaps).

  1. A borometer is a scientific instrument designed to measure atmospheric pressure.
  2. Kidneys are organs that separate waste fluid from the blog.
  3. A multi-national company is a business organisation that operates in many countries.
  4. Reinforced concrete is a building material consisting of cement, sand and steel rods.
  5. Bullying is a pattern of anti-social behaviour found in many schools.
  6. Recycling is a process in which materials are used again.
  7. A recession is a period of reduced economic activity.
  8. Cereals are grain widely grown for food production.

Write definition of the following:

  • A lecture is a speech usually given for educational purposes. 
  • Tuberculosis (TB) is a pulmonar illness which makes a patient cough blood.
  • The Red Cross is an organisation which helps war victims.
  • An idiom is a series of words used to express actions.

Study the following examples and underline the term being defined.

  • The definition for a failed project ranges from abandoned projects to projects that do not meet their full potential or simply have schedule overrun problems.
  • Development is a socio-economic-technological process having the main objective of raising the standards of living of the people.
  • Bowlby (1982) suggested that attachment is an organised system whose goal is to make individuals feel safe and secure.
  • . . . the non-linear effect called ‘self-brightening’ in which large- amplitude waves decay more slowly than small-amplitude ones . . .
  • Globalisation, in an economic sense, describes the opening up of national economies to global markets and global capital, the freer movement and diffusion of goods, services, finance, people, knowledge and technology around the world.

Which of the above:

  • Quotes a definition from another writer? Bowlby (1982) suggested that attachment is an organised system whose goal is to make individuals feel safe and secure.
  • Gives a variety of relevant situations? The definition for a failed project ranges from abandoned projects to projects that do not meet their full potential or simply have schedule overrun problems.
  • Explains a process? . . . the non-linear effect called ‘self-brightening’ in which large- amplitude waves decay more slowly than small-amplitude ones . . .
  • Uses category words? Development is a socio-economic-technological process having the main objective of raising the standards of living of the people.

Study the following titles, underline the terms that are worth defining, and write definitions for three of them.

  • Capital punishment has no place in the modern legal system – Discuss.
  • How can the management of an entrepreneurial business retain its entrepreneurial culture as it matures?
  • E-books are likely to replace printed books in the next twenty years. Do you agree?
  • As urban areas continue to expand worldwide, will agriculture be able to feed the growing population of cities?
  • Given the medical dangers of obesity, what is the best way of reducing its incidence?
      1. Capital punishment is a legal process in which a person can be executed for their crimes.
      2. E-books are a digital format used to read novels, essays...
      3. Obesity is an illness that affects a person’s weight and can lead to heart diseases.

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