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Snappy Words: Definition Paragraph
Details
Activity Website:
Activity Description
Students will use the Snappy Words Web site to help them define a term in the form of a paragraph.
Preparation
- Make sure the Web site is not blocked at your school.
- Create an assignment prompt and write a model paragraph, or use the Example Document (above). Here are more examples.
How-To
- Make a list of abstract nouns (love, friendship, motherhood, freedom, peace, happiness, etc.) or have students brainstorm a list.
- Have students choose one term or assign a term.
- Students will open the Example Web Site (above) for Snappy Words. You can demonstrate how to use the site and explain the legend (colors and markers refer the relationships between words and parts of speech of words).
- Students type in the term they have chosen or been assigned to define. A visual will appear with related words and synonyms. By hovering the mouse over a word, students can see a definition.
- Students should write down key words and definitions.
- Then students can be grouped by the terms and share their notes and other ideas, such as connotative meaning of the terms (and optionally record them on a flip chart). Groups share their ideas with the class.
- Explain the definition paragraph assignment (see Example Document - Definition Paragraph prompt) and show sample paragraphs.
- Have students write their topic sentence. Have students compose their first drafts and collect the drafts.
- Provide feedback on format, content, and mechanics.
- Have students compose their final drafts of their paragraphs on a word processing program.
Teacher Tips
- The Web site Visuwords can also be used for this task if Snappy Words is not available..
Program Areas
- ABE: Adult Basic Education
- ESL: English as a Second Language
- ASE: High School Diploma
Levels
- Low
- Intermediate
- High
- All Levels
- Intermediate Low
- Intermediate High
- Advanced
Lesson Plan
Warm-up
Engagement
Activity:
Start with a class discussion about abstract nouns.
Prompt:
- Ask students to name some abstract nouns and write them on the board (e.g., love, friendship, freedom).
- Interactive Element: Use a quick poll to see which abstract nouns are the most familiar or interesting to students.
Introduction
Engagement
Objective: Students will define a term using the Snappy Words website and write a paragraph based on their findings.
Pose the question, Why is it important to understand abstract concepts and be able to express them clearly in writing? Students discuss in pairs and then share answers with the class.
Presentation
- Demonstration: Show the Snappy Words website.
Explain how to use the site, focusing on the relationships between words and the color-coded legend.
- Ask for words to try using Snappy Words.
2. Model Paragraph Writing:
- Present the model paragraph from the provided document to the class.
- Break down the structure and key elements.
- Review and discuss the importance of each part of the paragraph (e.g., topic sentence, supporting sentences, conclusion).
Topic Sentence:
Start the paragraph with a dictionary or other authority's definition of the word or phrase.
Supporting Sentences:
- Add another point or your own interpretation to this definition.
- Tell the reader one thing that your topic is NOT.
- Choose another point and explain it. (add as many sentences that explain the topic
Conclusion:
Finish with a conclusion that reflects all the points mentioned in the paragraph.
Practice
Engagement
Enhancement
Brainstorming Session:
- Have students brainstorm a list of abstract nouns either in small groups or as a whole class.
- Each student or group will select or be assigned one term to define.
Using Snappy Words:
- Students will go to the Snappy Words website, enter their chosen term, and explore the visual thesaurus.
- They will write down key words, definitions, and related terms.
Group Collaboration:
- Group students by their chosen terms.
- Within groups, students share their notes and discuss additional ideas, including the connotative meanings of the terms.
- Optionally, record these ideas on a flip chart and share them with the class.
Evaluation
Engagement
Enhancement
Drafting Paragraph:
- Students write their topic sentence based on the initial definition they found.
- They compose their first draft of the definition paragraph, following the structure provided in the prompt.
- Peer Review:
- Students exchange drafts with a partner for peer feedback.
- Provide a checklist for students to use during peer review to ensure all paragraph parts are included.
- Teacher Feedback:
- Collect the drafts and provide feedback on format, content, and mechanics.
Application
Engagement
Enhancement
Extension
Revising and Finalizing:
- Based on the feedback, students revise their paragraphs.
- Students type their final drafts on a word processing program.
Sharing:
- Create a class anthology of definition paragraphs. Each student can read their paragraph aloud or post it on a class blog/forum.
- Discuss how different interpretations of the same term can provide various perspectives.
Documents
- DefinitionParagraphPrompt - Definition Paragraph Prompt
Subjects
- English Language Arts
- English 1-4
- Language Arts - Reading
- Comprehension
- Language Arts - Writing
- Organization of Ideas
- Reading
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Paragraph Skills
Standards
- Reading
- CCR Anchor 4 - Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone.
- Writing
- CCR Anchor 2 - Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
- CCR Anchor 5 - Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.
- Language
- CCR Anchor 4 - Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases by using context clues, analyzing meaningful word parts, and consulting general and specialized reference materials, as appropriate.
- CCR Anchor 5 - Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
- CCR Anchor 6 - Acquire and use accurately a range of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the college and career readiness level; demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge when encountering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
Tags
writing, connotations, definitions, denotations, drafts, meanings, paragraph, snappy, Snappywords, words, writing process, advanced