Language Exercises (Being Familiar)




Exercise Contents
Writing Guidelines
Writing Courses

Language Exercises:
Being Precise and Clear
Being Concise
Being Fluid


Defining terms is important in scientific writing. In many instances, such as in a glossary, you define terms in a formal way. The following formal definitions from a glossary may have one of the following common problems:
  1. does not identify the term's class
  2. does not distinguish term from other members of class
  3. is circular
  4. has a structure incorrect for this term's part of speech
In the exercise, identify the problem, if any, with each formal definition. These problems are discussed on pages 112-115 in The Craft of Scientific Writing. For this exercise to work effectively, do not override this file's choice of colors.






  1. ductility: property of a material.

    (a) Formal definition does not identify the term's class
    (b) Formal definition does not distinguish term from other members of class
    (c) Formal definition is circular
    (d) Formal definition has a structure incorrect for this term's part of speech
    (e) Formal definition succeeds







































    #1. Congratulations, you have found the main problem.

    ductility: property of a material. (original)

    ductility: property of a material that enables it to stretch without fracturing or cracking. (possible revision)



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  2. breaching: process by which a ship's exterior hull fractures and allows water to penetrate.

    (a) Formal definition does not identify the term's class
    (b) Formal definition does not distinguish term from other members of class
    (c) Formal definition is circular
    (d) Formal definition has a structure incorrect for this term's part of speech
    (e) Formal definition succeeds






































    #2. Congratulations, you have answered correctly.

    breaching: process by which a ship's exterior hull fractures and allows water to penetrate. (original)

    Discussion: No major problem.



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  3. occlusion: obstructing or inhibiting the natural tendencies of similar particles to attract.

    (a) Formal definition does not identify the term's class
    (b) Formal definition does not distinguish term from other members of class
    (c) Formal definition is circular
    (d) Formal definition has a structure incorrect for this term's part of speech
    (e) Formal definition succeeds






































    #3. Congratulations, you have found the main problem.

    occulsion: obstructing or inhibiting the natural tendencies of similar particles to attract. (original)

    occlusion: substance that obstructs or inhibits the natural tendencies of similar particles to attract. (possible revision)



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    You have reached the end of this exercise.




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