Activity 1.15: Negation Strategy Definitions

1. Review the negation definition strategy.

 Paragraphs using the negation strategy explain what something is by showing what it is not. Pointing out what the subject is not can make what it is clearer to the reader. For example, here is an excerpt from a definition of a horse that uses the negation strategy:  A horse, a zebra, and a mule, though look alike in many ways, have significant differences. A horse, unlike a zebra, can be tamed and trained. And unlike a mule, which is a sterile beast of burden, a horse is a valued breeder of future generations of racing champions and hard-working ranch animals.

 “It’s always seemed odd to me that nonfiction is defined, not by what it is, but by what it is not. It is not fiction. But then again, it is also not poetry, or technical writing or libretto. It’s like defining classical music as nonjazz

2. Practice definition by negation. List some actions or accomplishments that do not fit your definition of a hero– though they may seem to at first glance.

3. Read John Henry Newman’s definition of a gentleman and highlight the examples of negation. Watch for the word “never” as a clue to the examples of what a gentleman is not.

“A Definition of a Gentleman” Essay

4. Sentences 2, 4, and 5 contain statements of what a gentleman is not. Quote them.

 Statements as to what a gentleman is not:          “Seldom prominent in conversation.” “Never wearisome.” “Never speaks of himself.” “Never defends himself by a mere retort.” “Has no ears for slander or gossip.” “Never mean or little.” “Never takes unfair advantage.” “Never mistakes personalities or sharp sayings for arguments.” “[Never] insinuates evil.”

 What do you notice about the beginning of the paragraph?

 It begins with positive examples of the gentleman’s function in society.

 How does the paragraph develop?

    Sentence 1 explains the function of a gentleman in society in positive terms.

Sentence 2 ends by presenting some negative examples, but it is not until sentence 4 that Newman expands and extends his definition with use of negation. Sentence 5 completes the negation section.

Sentence 6 comes full circle back to positive.

 How many sentences is the paragraph?

 The paragraph is only six sentences long.

5. How does negation make this portrait of a gentleman clearer and more extensive?

By giving examples of what a gentleman is not, it is clear as to what he is. We are given a more detailed description using this strategy.

 Expository Writing Prompt: Write about what heroism is not. Use the negation strategy to distinguish what heroism is from what it is not. Be sure to:     Begin with a topic sentence that answers the prompt.

Provide supporting detail and commentary to develop ideas.

Use transitions and embedded quotes to create coherence.

It must be typed and then turned in when you’re done.

A true hero is a person who is humble and yet goes beyond what is expected. A hero does not expect reward or recognition for his actions. He runs into a burning building because it is the right thing do, not because he expects the attention of the media and the praise of the world for his actions. A hero does not give up the quest when the challenge becomes difficult. A hero is not someone who is simply more talented than the next man or woman. A hero is the ordinary man or woman who acts to benefit others, not himself.

 Expository Writing Prompt: Write about what heroism is not. Use the negation strategy to distinguish what heroism is from what it is not. Be sure to:     Begin with a topic sentence that answers the prompt.

Provide supporting detail and commentary to develop ideas.

Use transitions and embedded quotes to create coherence.

It must be typed and then turned in when you’re done.