This document provides guidance on using a general-to-specific structure in academic writing. It begins by listing common reasons to use a G-S structure, such as in an exam answer, assignment introduction, or background paragraph. It then discusses how a G-S structure typically begins with a definition, statement of fact, or contrast. The document provides examples of short, sentence-level, and extended definitions. It also covers restrictive relative clauses and competing definitions. The overall purpose is to outline how to structure information from general to specific in academic writing.

1. Unit Two: Writing General-Specific Texts212:190Fall 2011

2. Reasons to Use a G-S StructureAn answer to an exam questionAn opening paragraph to an assignmentA background/scene-setting paragraph to an analysis or discussion

3. Usually Begins With…A short or extended definitionPeanut butter is a smooth or crunchy spread derived from peanuts, oil, and sugar products.A contrastive or comparative definitionIn comparison to Hebrew, the English written today is fairly new, as it is nothing like that which was written even 500 years ago.A statement of factGeneral statements are usually broad statements or facts which do not need citation-general knowledge.Conklin, New York is a small town in the Southern Tier region of New York, bordering Montrose, Pennsylvania.

4. Defining in Academic WritingShort definitions/glosses: word or short phrase place with parenthesis or commas; phrasal definitions signaled by devices (known as, defined as, called).Sentence definitions: briefExtended definitions: longer than what would be found in average dictionary.

5. Formal Sentence DefinitionsSuperordinates-Class wordsTechnique, method, process, deviceTERM+CLASS+WH+DETAILIndefinite article a/an preffered

6. Restrictive Relative DeletionsThe RR Clause consists only of the r-prounoun, the verb to be, and one or more PPs (that deletions).In dentistry, enamel is a hard, which inorganic material that is on the crown of a tooth.The RR Clause consists of a passive plus some additional info.A theater is a building that has been specifically designed for dramatic performances.

7. RR Change in WFThe RRC contains the verb to have.A parliament is a national governing body which has the highest level of legislative power within a state.The RRC contains an active verb-drops and changes to pres. part. –ing (which/that drop)A moon is a natural satellite which orbits around a planet.

8. Competing DefinitionsMake sure the reader is aware.As in writing, both definitions need to be presented when possible, or it must be stated that there is another.

9. Contrastive DefinitionsComparisons