15152905 Topic 1 Defining and Describing

7/29/2019 15152905 Topic 1 Defining and Describing

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X INTRODUCTION

If we take a good look around us, we will notice that we are surrounded by allkinds of things, be they objects or mechanisms. Some are used, every day, by usor by other people. Most have a specific purpose. At times, we need to tell otherswhat a mechanism does, how it works, or even what the process or procedure ofdoing something is like. This must be done correctly because inaccurateinformation is likely to lead to confusion and error as well as waste time, energyand money. Therefore, we need to be as precise and clear as possible with ourdefinitions, descriptions, instructions and explanations to prevent confusionarising as illustrated below.

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XDefining

and Describing

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this topic, you should be able to:

1. Define an object or a mechanism by describing its physicalappearance using precise language;

2. Describe what the object or mechanism does;

3. Explain a process or procedure by describing the different stages inorder of occurrence using appropriate language; and

4. Provide accurate instructions on how to use a mechanism or carryout a procedure or process.


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X TOPIC 1 DEFINING AND DESCRIBING2

DEFINING SOMEONE OR SOMETHING

A definition usually refers to the meaning, description, explanation, classification

and characterisation of someone or something. It is important as it provides aconcise explanation of a person or thing, and helps us to categorise and classifythe object of definition accurately. We can then comprehend the meaning androle of the person or object in any discussion involving this object or person.

Were you able to guess the person or object in the texts above? Good! Look at thedescriptions again and underline the words or phrases that helped you to make

the correct guesses. Did you face any problems in guessing the person or object?If you did, list them down and explain what you think created these problems.

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Guess the Person or Object1. Sometimes I work days, sometimes I work nights. Sometimes I

wear white but sometimes I wear blue or green as well. Often,people are unwell when they see me but sometimes they justwant to check how well they are. I do not cure them but I takecare of them. My workplace is always busy and sometimes itgets really crowded.

Can you guess who or what I am?

Answer: ___________________

2. I help people get around. I am very helpful and strong because Ihelp them carry heavy loads. I move very fast and efficiently. Icost them money to maintain. If I am well maintained, I seldomcomplain and will always work. Some people take really goodcare of me. They keep me clean and good-looking all the time.

Can you guess who or what I am?

Answer: ___________________

ACTIVITY 1.1


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TOPIC 1 DEFINING AND DESCRIBING W 3

1.1.1 How Definitions Work

It is important to remember that in describing or defining something or someone,

there are certain features that may be highlighted. These include:

(a) A statement identifying the person or object I shall tell you about a medical worker

I will describe or define a computer chip

(b) A description of the common or general physical nature of the person orobject A medical worker may be male or female. He, or she, is usually dressed

in white.

A computer chip is usually square or rectangular in shape. It is madefrom silicon.

(c) A description of the functions of the person or object A medical workers main task is to help doctors and surgeons

administer to the sick.

A computer chip helps in the storage and transmission of information indigital form.

When writing a definition, you need to ensure that it is precise and does not gobeyond the term being defined. You also need to follow a systematic approachwhereby you define or describe people or things from the general to the specific,for example, from the general class to specific characteristics or features (usingspecific terms).


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Now, do the following activities to see whether you have understood this.

1.1.2 Language Patterns for Definition

To write a simple definition, two types of sentence structure can be used (see

Tables 1.1 and 1.2):

(a) Sentence Structure 1

Table 1.1: Sentence Structure 1Term General Class Specific Features

A thermometer is an instrument that measures temperature.

A nurse is a medical worker who assists doctors.

Biology is the study of natural life.

(b) Sentence Structure 2

Term+General Class Word+Specific Features

Term + Specific Features + General Class Word

Read the definition below and identify the three different parts: (a), (b)and (c).

A laser is a device that produces beams of a special kind of lightknown as laser light. A laser beam looks like a straight, almost solidyet transparent rod of intense light. A laser beam is made up of onlyone colour unlike ordinary light which is a combination of manycolours. Lasers are used in the production of all kinds of thingsfrom cars to clothing, from microchips to books.

(a) Statement about the object.

(b) Description of the common or general physical nature of the object.

(c) Description of the functions of the object.

ACTIVITY 1.2


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Table 1.2: Sentence Structure 2Term Specific Features General Class

A rectangle is a four-sided plane figure.

A monkey is a small, long-tailed primate.

A crocodile is an amphibious reptile.

DESCRIBING A MECHANISM

Sometimes, we need to do more than just define a thing; we have to explain howit works. Here too, our explanation must be clear.

Try the following exercise to increase your understanding.

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ACTIVITY 1.3

1. Using Sentence Structure 1, complete the following definitions. Fillin the boxes with the appropriate general class and specific features.

Term General Class Specific FeaturesAn astronomer is a scientist who

A barometer that measures air pressure.

A laboratory is a place where

A fireman is a person who

Conduction by which heat is transferred.

2. Using Sentence Structure 2, complete the following definitions. Fillin the boxes with the appropriate specific features and general class.

Term Specific Features General ClassMercury is a........ liquid

A triangle plane figure.

Asbestos is a fire-resistant

A dinosaur is a prehistoric

A cat is a four-legged


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1.2.1 How to Explain a Mechanism

When you explain a mechanism, you need to follow these rules:

(a) State the name of the mechanism precisely. I am going to explain what a liquid-fuel rocket is.

(b) Where possible, provide a general statement about the mechanism thatallows readers or listeners to tap into their previous knowledge. Rockets work very much like jet engines.

(c) Explain every stage or aspect of the mechanism so as to not miss/lose theconceptual link between stages or aspects. They burn fuel in the combustion chamber to make hot gases. The hot

gases escape backwards from a nozzle at enormous speed.

ACTIVITY 1.4

Read the paragraph below.

The simple jet engine is called turbo jet engine. Here is how a turbo jetengine works. Air is sucked in the front of the engine and compressed by acompressor. The compressed air then goes into a combustion chamber. Thehot air produced escapes at the rear, spinning the turbine as it does so. It isthis turbine that drives the compressor. The gases escape from the rearnozzle as a very high-speed jet, which propels the plane forward.

Based on the explanation, can you understand how a turbo jet engineworks? Look at the diagram above. Can you identify a missingcomponent in the explanation?


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(d) Provide concluding statements which summarise the operations of themechanism. Therefore, the liquid fuel rocket is propelled forward by the

tremendous backward force that emerges from the combustionchamber.

1.2.2 Writing Explanations of Mechanisms

Language Structure: Simple ExplanationIntroduction + General + How It Functions + Concluding

of Term Information Remarks

ACTIVITY 1.5

Read the explanation of a mechanism below. Can you determine whetherany information is missing? Use the checklist below as a guide.

The space shuttle is the new space launcher (1) . It is a combination of aplane and a spacecraft (2). The main part of the shuttle is the space orbiter;it carries the crew and cargo (3). The orbiter is attached to the back of ahuge tank which carries fuel for its three engines (4). On the launch pad,the orbiter and the fuel tank stand vertically (5) . Two booster rockets areattached to the side of the fuel tank (6) . When launched, the boosters firetogether with the orbiters engine (7). After a few minutes, the boosters runout of fuel and separate (8). Later, the fuel tank empties and falls away (9).After the space mission, the shuttle enters the atmosphere and is sloweddown by it (10). Then, it glides to land on a runway (11).

Source: www.wallpaperbase.com

Explanation Checklist Sentence Number(s)Name of mechanismGeneral statementabout themechanism/the spaceshuttle

Explain everystage/aspect

Summarise theoperations


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Example:A hydrofoil is a sea craft. A hydrofoil is an interesting vehicle. It is one of thefastest boats on water. The hydrofoil glides above the water on a cushion of air.

The cushion is created by blowing underneath the craft using powerful fans. Tohold the air underneath the craft, the hydrofoil has a skirt around its loweredge. This cushion of air helps the hydrofoil reduce resistance and travel acrosswater masses at great speed.

EXPLAINING PROCEDURES

Procedures may serve as commands, directives, orders or directions. In mostcases, they comprise one, or a series of, imperative statements that convey orders,instructions and commands. There are procedures for all kinds of activities, fromsomething as common as preparing a cup of coffee to something as complex as

landing a plane.

What is important is that procedures must be clear and precise. There is no placefor ambiguous language in explaining procedures as there must be no doubts inthe mind of the reader or listener about what needs to be done.

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ACTIVITY 1.6

Using the same structure, sequence the sentences in the correct order toexplain the operation of a submarine.

Sentence OrderThe submarine is a people carrier that is designed to travelunder water.

The ballast tanks can be filled with water or emptied to adjust thesubmarines weight.

The submarine can dive to various depths simply by adjusting itsweight.

It does this by way of ballast tanks which are found on the sides ofthe craft.

The latest nuclear-powered submarine can stay underwater for

months.The submarine is one of the most fascinating crafts.


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1.3.1 Stating Procedures

In describing a procedure, you need to:

(a) State precisely what the procedure is for, which means, its objectives.To operate a computer, this is what you have to do.

(b) Use time markers or linkers to show the order of actions or tasks.x Order the procedure chronologically:

To begin, make sure the main power source is switched on. Next,switch on the power source on the computer. If the monitor has aseparate power switch, turn this on as well.

(c) Use the imperative form in order to be direct and precise.Next, a password window will appear on your screen. Enter your username and password in the spaces allocated for each.

(d) Be clear and concise. Offer only information that is necessary to completethe task at hand.When you have entered your user name and password, use the mousepointer and right click on the Enter button.

(e) Know the audience the procedure is targeted at.x If the audience comprises professionals in a specific field (see Figure

1.1), you may use technical terms related to the field. If you do notknow your audience, or it comprises people who are not proficient inEnglish, keep your language simple.

Figure 1.1: Professionals at work


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Try the following exercise to increase your understanding of what we havediscussed.

ACTIVITY 1.7

The diagram below shows the main procedure of refining crude oil. The textbelow the diagram describes the procedure.

The refining of crude oil is a complex procedure. It involves the followingimportant stages. Firstly, the crude oil has to be extracted from the groundusing an oil rig or platform. Then, the crude oil is piped or transported tothe oil refinery. Next, the crude oil is heated in a furnace and convertedinto vapour. After that, the vapour is pumped into the distillation tower.Then, the vapour is separated into the different chemical components ofkerosene, fuel oil, lubricating oil and so on, which are automaticallyconverted into liquids. Secondly, the liquid kerosene, fuel oil, lubricatingoil is piped out. Finally, the vapour that remains is collected in the form ofliquid petrol and piped out.


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TOPIC 1 DEFINING AND DESCRIBING W11

Answer the following questions.

1. Which of the time markers or linkers is incorrectly used?

(a) Finally(b) Then(c) Secondly(d) Firstly

2. Which of the following sentences best describes the messageconveyed by the text?(a) Then the vapour is separated into the different chemical

components of kerosene, fuel oil, lubricating oil and so on,which are automatically converted into liquids.

(b) The refining of crude oil is a complex procedure.

(c) Next, the crude oil is heated in a furnace and converted intovapour.

(d) Finally, the vapour that remains is cooled in the form of liquidpetrol and piped out.

3. Which of the following sentences can best replace the sentence Then,the crude oil is piped or transported to the oil refinery in the aboveexplanation?(a) When the earlier process is completed, the crude oil is either

sent to the factory using a pipeline or carried to the factory by

lorries.(b) After this process, the crude oil is taken to the factory bytransport.

(c) When everything is completed, the crude oil is carried to thefactory using pipes and lorries.

(d) Consequently, the crude oil is transported to the factory bypipes or oil tankers.

4. Which of the following words or phrases would best replace theword extracted in the passage?(a) Pumped out

(b) Dug out(c) Relocated(d) Materialised

5. Which of the following would be the most appropriate title for thepassage?(a) Making Crude Oil(b) Procedure for Refining Crude Oil(c) Drilling for Oil(d) Procedure at an Oil Refinery


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1.3.2 Procedures for Explaining Mechanisms

We use the following to explain procedures:

(a) Time Markers and LinkersIn explaining procedures, time markers and linkers are vital to ensure thatthe reader or listener is able to recognise and follow the chronological order

EXERCISE 1.7EXERCISE 1.7Now, read the passage describing the procedure for refining crude oilagain. Differentiate sentences written in the active voice from thosewritten in the passive voice.

The refining of crude oil is a complex procedure (1). It involves thefollowing important stages (2). Firstly, the crude oil has to be extractedfrom the ground using an oil rig or platform (3). Then, the crude oil ispiped or transported to the oil refinery (4). Next, the crude oil is heated ina furnace and converted into vapour (5). After that, the vapour is pumpedinto the distillation tower (6). Then, the vapour is separated into thedifferent chemical components of kerosene, fuel oil, lubricating oil and so

on, which are automatically converted into liquids (7). Secondly, the liquidkerosene, fuel oil, lubricating oil is piped out (8). Finally, the vapour thatremains is collected in the form of liquid petrol and piped out (9).

Please tick (9) to indicate whether the sentences in the text above arewritten in the active or passive voice.

Sentence Numbers Active Passive(1) _________ _________(2) _________ _________(3) _________ _________(4) _________ _________(5) _________ _________(6) _________ _________(7) _________ _________(8) _________ _________(9) _________ _________

You will notice the extensive use of the passive voice in describingprocedures. The use of the passive voice will be discussed in the nexttopic.

ACTIVITY 1.8


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of the procedure. Sequence connectors fulfil this purpose. They show howeach action is connected in time with the next and the order in which weperform them. Below are two types of sequence connectors that serve as

time markers and linkers:(i) Numerical Sequence Connectors

First, firstly, second, secondly, third, thirdly, etc.

(ii) Order Sequence ConnectorsInitially, next, after that, consequently, before that, later, then, finally, etc.

(b) ImperativesImperatives are command statements. These statements aim to give preciseinstructions using concise language. Imperatives also indicate instructions

that must be followed if the procedure is to be realised or completed.Types of Imperative StatementsImperative statements can be classified as categorical or modalisedstatements (see Figure 1.2).

Figure 1.2: Types of imperative statements


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1. Define the following items. Use the structures you have

learned.(a) Camera(b) Butterfly(c) Geology(d) Aquarium(e) Bridge

2. Read the following text about rockets. Extract the necessaryinformation and use it to write a passage about how a rocketworks.

Rockets are powerful crafts. Most space rockets have liquid propellantsand are complicated mechanisms. Two liquid fuels commonly used arekerosene and liquid hydrogen. In a liquid rocket, the propellants arepumped from the storage tanks to the combustion chamber. The pumpis driven by a turbine, which is spun by gas produced in a gasgenerator. In the combustion chamber, the fuel and oxidiser form anexplosive mixture, which burns fiercely into gases that escape as apowerful jet. This is the power that is able to propel the space rocket atspeeds of up to 28,000 km/h.

3. The diagram below shows the procedure of making computer

chips. Describe the procedure, using the language patterns youhave learned.

ACTIVITY 1.9


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x A definition provides a concise explanation of a person or thing. It helps us tocategorise and classify the person or object accurately.

x When explaining a mechanism, state its name precisely, provide a generalstatement about it, explain every stage or aspect about it and give concludingstatements that summarise the operations of the mechanism.

x Procedures serve as commands, directives, orders or directions.

x In most cases, procedures comprise imperative statements.

x Procedures are involved in a range of activities, from those which arecommon to those which are complex.

x Time markers and linkers are used in explaining procedures to show thechronological order of actions or tasks.

x There are two types of sequence connectors numerical and order.

Definition

Imperatives

Mechanism

Object

Procedure

Process

Time markers

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15152905 Topic 1 Defining and Describing