ENGL 298 B: Intermediate Writing Social Sciences   Autumn 2011, University of Washington

Steps for writing about a definition:

1. Find any primary declarative statements from within the source text(s). (Note: these may be made directly, or they may not.)                  a. Notice the atmosphere in which these definitions are being made:  is the author warning about the possibility of certain                 death? Or  talking optimistically about the likelihood of peace?

2. Identify secondary references to the term or concept; remaining aware of atmosphere.

3. Identify areas of the author’s policies/theories where his/her definition is likely to have a substantive effect. Ask yourself:                        i. How does the author’s definition of x affect individuals who live in this area?

ii. Does the author seem aware of this?

iii. Does s/he mention the effect?

4. Think about how the author’s definition affects larger issues like obligation and legitimacy. Does the definition provide insight into whether the author sees those as significant, or less so?

5. Check: are there other briefer references anywhere else throughout the text? Do they add to the definition in any way? Remember: you are responsible for all of the assigned text.

6. Check: how else was this word being used at the time? (Hint: use the OED!)