When someone asks the question, "What is that?" it may require a definition as an answer. What is art? terrorism? love? sportsmanship? honor? bravery? Sometimes, often, the definition will differ depending on the definer. The responsibility is on the definer to create a reasonable, clear, and helpful picture of meaning--well enough so that the listener can "get it" even if he or she doesn't necessarily agree with the definition. The key to defining well is specificity--providing specific  qualities or attributes about the term, allowing the listener to fully experience the term--to see it, hear it, taste it, touch it, smell it.

 

Take a few moments to watch this excellent YouTube video of slam poet Taylor Mali as he defines a seemingly simple term: a teacher. What is  teacher? The obvious answer is one who teaches. A good definition like his goes far beyond that.

 

After you have viewed the clip, write down your definition of a teacher, perhaps borrowing some of Mali's ideas but adding some of your own.