Page 115 - SpringBoard_ELA_Grade8_Flipbook

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CTIvITy .16
Negation Strategy of definition
LearNING STraTeGIeS:
Quickwrite, Marking the Text, Drafting, Substituting
About the Author
John Henry Newman (1801–1890) was a scholar and clergyman who became an influential figure at Oxford College. Newman was a pioneer of the Oxford Movement which sought to inject more Catholic dogma into the Protestant-leaning Church of England. Some of his works, including the seminal Parochial and Plain Sermons, helped influence the ideals of the Oxford Movement. In 1845 he converted to Roman Catholicism. Pope Benedict XVI beatified Newman in 2010, which means he was officially bestowed as someone in the church to be glorified and exalted.
essay
absurd: something that is ridiculous
my Notes
Learning Targets
• Examine and analyze examples of the negation strategy of definition.
• Apply the negation strategy to a new topic.
Review of the Negation Strategy
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 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.
Preview
In this activity, you will read a definition essay about the concept of a “gentleman” and evaluate how the author used the negation strategy.
Setting a Purpose for Reading
• As you read, underline examples of the negation strategy.
• Circle unknown words and phrases. Try to determine the meaning of the words by using context clues, word parts, or a dictionary.
“A Definition of a ” Gentleman
by John Henry Newman
(1) The true gentleman in like manner carefully avoids whatever may cause a jar or a jolt in the minds of those with whom he is cast;—all clashing of opinion, or collision of feeling, all restraint, or suspicion, or gloom, or resentment; his great concern being to make everyone at their ease and at home. (2) He has his eyes on all his company; he is tender towards
the bashful, gentle towards the distant, and merciful towards the absurd; he can recollect 88 SpringBoard® English Language Arts Grade 8
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