OBJECTIVE:
Writing a definition of a concept, term, word, or idea on a compelling photograph is a fun way to capture the essence of the photo and add meaning to the viewer’s experience of the object(s) described in the photo.

This will allow you to think creatively about the meaning of what is depicted in the photograph and engage the viewer of the photograph to help them see the photograph in a new way.

Definition Writing:
A definition brings meaning to a concept, term, word, or idea by developing a personal, working meaning of the word. Many writers start by looking up the word and then paraphrasing the definition. Definition writers often define synonyms and antonyms to create develop clarity of the word to be defined. Then illustrative examples of your word can be developed in a sentence.
We will learn how to write intriguing definitions by using pic-lits.com.

MODEL PIC-LIT:

Notice how the writer defines “wilderness” by developing how the meaning of the word has evolved. Once defined by what it does not have, wilderness was once viewed as “untamed, uncultivated, useless land.” But then the writer shows how the definition of the word has / should evolve to include its positive qualities; wilderness is “intact, integrated, and flourishing.” Showing how a concept evolves in its definition is a great way to define a word.

GUIDED PRACTICE WRITING PROMPT:

1. Go to piclits.com
2. Sign in with your e-mail and password
3. Select a picture from the gallery of pictures
4. In FREESTYLE mode, write a definition paragraph on a photograph that has a special significance to you. This definition
   • should have at least one illustrative example
   • should develop and define a synonym
   • should compare it to a similar word and / or show how it is integral to a larger concept.
   • can show how the meaning of a word evolves.