One might think that writing a Definition or Instruction was a simple matter…..and yet to make either item clear and understandable to any type of reader, takes more skill than some might imagine.
Definitions
A definition is way of explaining the meaning of a word or concept. When writing definitions, it’s important to be clear and precise, using language that is easily understood by your intended audience. A definition can describe the meaning of a term in general or specific terms, and may include examples, synonyms, or related information to help clarify its meaning. Some kinds of definitions can be found in dictionaries, encyclopedias, or other reference materials such as academic or technical contexts. The purpose of a definition is to help people understand the meaning of words, products, ideas and concepts, and to promote clear communication between you and your reader.
Example:
Definition of a Unicorn:
The unicorn is a legendary creature that has been described since days of old as a magical beast with the appearance of a white horse, having a single large, pointed, spiraling horn projecting from its forehead. References to unicorns can be found in all sorts of ancient texts and artwork from around the world. This ranges from mentions in the Bible to depictions of them in Mesopotamian art that’s around 6000 years old. Because of this, unicorns, along with dragons, are among the oldest and most well-known mythical creatures in the whole world.
In European literature and art, the unicorn has been depicted as a majestic, white, horse-like animal with a single, long, straight horn, cloven hooves, and sometimes a beard. In the Middle Ages and Renaissance, it was commonly described as an extremely wild woodland creature, a symbol of purity and grace, which could be captured only by a virgin. It’s horn was purported to have the power to render poisoned water as safe and to heal all kinds of sickness.
A few more interesting unicorn facts:
- The unicorn is the national animal of Scotland, which is why you can find two of them on the Scottish coat of arms.
- On the British coat of arms you will find a unicorn beside a lion, denoting the union between Scotland and England.
- There are unicorn legends from countries and cultures all over the world. Though the exact characteristics may differ, all the legends agree that a unicorn are very strong and very difficult to catch.
- The name “unicorn” originates from the Latin words “uni-“, meaning “one”, and “cornu”, meaning “horn”. This means that the term literally means “one horn”.
- Although in western culture a unicorn is described as completely white, in recent years they are also shown in other colors or with a rainbow-colored mane and tail.
- Hundreds of years ago it was widely believed that if you drank from a real unicorn horn you’d be protected from poison. Because of this, it was common for members of the royal family to pay large sums of money for what they thought were unicorn corns. It turns out that they were actually being sold rhino or narwhal horns.
- Unicorns are also mentioned in some translations of the Bible. For example, in Numbers 23:22 God’s strength is linked to that of the unicorn: “He hath as it were the strength of a unicorn”.
- A group of unicorns is called a “Blessing”, a term passed down from literature and fables. The name ‘blessing’ comes from the fact that unicorns are thought to be impossible to catch by anyone impure and can only be seen by those who are virtuous….thus anyone seeing them is “blessed”.
Instructions
Instructions are a set of written guidelines broken down into steps that explain how to perform a task or complete a process. Instructions must be extremely easy to understand with very specific language that breaks down each step into a manageable task. Instructions explain how to perform a specific activity and can cover a wide range of topics such as operating a device, cooking a meal, assembling a piece of furniture, or completing a process or project. Well-written instructions must be clear, concise, and easy to follow to ensure that the task is completed correctly and efficiently.
Example:
How To Grow Cat Grass
Oat Grass and Wheat Grass are cereal grasses often referred to as Cat Grass. This is because our house cats love to chew green grasses, which also provide them with otherwise unavailable nutrition when they live indoors only. Some possible benefits to growing grass for your cats are: Aiding Digestion and hairball passage, Source of fiber/roughage, Source of chlorophyll (breath freshener and detoxifier), and the enjoyment your cat derives from the taste. Both grasses are easy to grow and can be purchased in seed form to grow in the house or on the deck/patio for your feline pets. The grass does need to be re-planted at least once a year so if you buy the seed in larger amounts you will have it on hand.
Steps By Step Instructions for Growing Cat Grass
1.) Purchase 1 lb. Untreated Organic Wheat (or Oat) Seeds online or from your local health food store.
2.) Purchase 1 or 2 Planters to grow the grass in. Planters should be wide and low so they are not easy to tip over and your cat can easily reach the grass as it begins to grow.
3.) Purchase enough Organic Potting Soil to fill your containers. *Be sure it does not contain any Miracle Grow or other chemicals!
4.) Fill container(s) with potting soil to within an inch of the top, shake to settle soil but do not pack down.
5.) Spread the wheat seeds out over the entire surface of the potting soil so that it is covered completely with one layer of seeds.
6.) Cover the seeds with aprox. 1/2 inch of potting soil; Do NOT press or pack down the soil, leave it loose.
7.) Water gently with sprinkling type watering can (heavy stream of water will expose your seeds).
8.) Place container(s) in a sunny spot indoors or outdoors and cover with wire or netting so your cats cannot get into the container but the light and water can still reach the grass as it grows.
9.) Water gently once a week (more often if it is very hot or soil feels dry).
10.) Trim grass with scissors when it grows taller than 4-5 inches above the pan.
Now you can sit back and watch your cats enjoy their green Cat Grass treat!
