NOTES

EXPOSITION

DEFINITIONS

Definition is not an independent form of writing, but is a fundamental element in exposition. On the precision with which we use our words depends our success in conveying our ideas. Students will do well to follow the advice of Professor Palmer (see p. 132), and attempt definitions even of the common words they use, because “inaccuracy will not stand up against the habit of definition." A striking illustration of the need of such practice may be found in the confusion, pointed out by Godkin, resulting from the loose employment of the familiar word "truth" (see p. 251).

Slang. Consult the definition of this word in the dictionary. The present paragraph is an attempt to set forth the meaning with greater fulness and accuracy. This is done by pointing out distinctions and making comparisons with similar ideas. Compare Hazlitt's remarks on slang (p. 16), where the explanation is aided by an example.

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Analysis of the paragraph:- The opening sentence is purely introductory and is followed by the topic sentence, which mentions two characteristics of slang. The first of these characteristics is discussed in the next two sentences, while to the analysis of the other the rest of the paragraph is devoted up to the last sentence. It should be observed that the concluding sentence, while it sums up the two elements which have been discussed, at the same time contributes to the progressive development of the idea. The paragraph is notable for the extremely close cohesion of its parts. Each sentence develops so directly out of the one preceding that there is no need of transitional conjunctions, the connection being effected by the carrying over of some word or phrase from one sentence to another. Only in one instance is it necessary to form a bridge over an intervening sentence, and that is contrived by the use of the balancing pronouns "the first" and "the other." Define Metabolism, Soil fertility, Voltage, Evolution, Lyric poetry, Loyalty, Tact, Religion, Success.

What is Thought? Professor Dewey wishes to prepare his readers for a discussion of the thinking process; his first aim, therefore, is to arrive at a strict definition of the word "thought." He does so by clearing away the looser senses in which the word is commonly employed, progressing from the general to the more and more restricted meanings. The mode of amplifica

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tion is more elaborate than in the definition of slang, being distinguished by
more leisurely repetition, illustration, and even anecdote.

What is the relation of the first paragraph to the rest of the composition?
Notice the use of pointing sentences, of topic sentences, and of transitions
What is the force of the last sentence?
from section to section.

individual sections be treated as separate paragraphs?

3. consequence.

Can the

Note the force with which this word is used in relation

to the following "consecutive."

4. credence

credit. Are these words happily contrasted?

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Are these words really equivalent? "And I must think, 5. prejudices, that is, prejudgments. "We gaze-nor grieve to think " "How Classify the uses of think in the following sentences: do all I can, that there is pleasure there." Why think of anything but present good? that we must die." "He that far dost thou excel? No thought can think nor tongue of mortals tell." "I should not see the sandy hour-glass run, but I should think of shallows "Those that think must govern those that toil." and of flats." "Of many good I think him best. is giddy thinks the world turns round." "I verily did think that her old gloves were on, but 'twas her hands."

think him so."

that she is by."

I have no reason but a woman's reason; I think him so because I "What his heart thinks 'What joy is joy if Silvia be not by? Unless it be to think "I did never think to marry." Which makes me think that this Antonio, being the boon lover of my lord, must needs be like my lord."

his tongue speaks."

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Distinguish the looser and the stricter uses of words like judge, fear, sensation, notion, idea, taste, nature.

Socialism. There are many groups of words and ideas which have some element in common, though in their total significance they may be forsharply distinct or even opposed. People are prone to seize upon the feature which particularly interests themselves to the utter neglect of the other Thus to John Bull every visitor from the continent is a elements. eigner" rather than a Turk or a Spaniard, and for the Catholic every person outside the pale of his church is a non-believer, be he Protestant, Jew, or socialism" is popularly confused with a infidel. Similarly, the word number of other "isms " which have the characteristic in common of being revolutionary and quite repugnant to the Anglo-Saxon sense of the practical. In such a case, the direct explanation of the term, which Professor Cross supplies in his first two paragraphs, would not serve to produce a sufficiently emphatic impression, and it is therefore necessary to discriminate the ideals of socialism from other reforming and revolutionary schemes.

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8. laissez-faire. This word refers to the principle that government should not interfere with the action of individuals, especially in industrial affairs. Do you approve this use of the word? 9. claim.

11. "he" towns and "she" towns. The condition referred to in this phrase is the result of the westward migration of the men, which left the onomic resources in the East.