Formal informal and expanded definition

• Concept paper


  A document that describes the central idea, objectives, and working methods of a project
• Developing a concept paper


  1. Define the term

  2. Provide the meaning

  3. Formal definition

  4. Informal definition

  5. Extended definition
• Formal definition


  Includes the term, class, and distinguishing features
• Formal definition example


  • A bicycle is a mode of transportation that has two wheels and is powered through the pedaling efforts of the rider
• Informal definition


  Does not include distinguishing features, only states the class
• Informal definition example


  • A chair is a piece of furniture
• Extended definition


  Consists of lengthy text that uses different rhetorical patterns to show the meaning of a term or concept, such as description, comparison and contrast, and cause and effect
• Extended definition example


  • Friendship is a state of acquaintance between or among people characterized by strong bonds of shared concern and caring. In true friendship, the bond is mutually shared. If either one of two friends is involved in a difficulty, the other friend will provide help, encouragement, and perhaps even direct intervention.
• Comparison


  Looks for similarities between things
• Contrast


  Looks for differences between things
• Cause and effect


  The reason and the corresponding outcomes
• Expanded Definition - Provides more information about the concept being defined beyond just its basic features.
• Informal Definition - An explanation or description of what something is, often using examples to illustrate its meaning.
• Formal Definition - A statement that defines the meaning of a term by listing its essential characteristics.
• Example of Expanded Definition: "A computer is an electronic device used for processing data and performing calculations. It consists of various components including a central processing unit (CPU), memory, storage devices, input/output devices, and software."