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TFY -- Chapter 2 -- Word Precision -- Laura's Q and A

Laura Marvel
Thinking for Yourself Ch. 2
I.  How do you find the right word?
          A.  You revisit your senses.
                   1.  A thesaurus will list words to choose from.
II.  How to use your dictionary  well?
          A.  You need to know what all of the abbreviations mean.
1.  You should look at the key in your dictionary to learn all the abbreviations.
III.  Does clear thinking depend on clear word definitions?
          A.  Clear thinking does depend on clear word definitions.
                    1.  If you are unsure of a definition you will not be able to clearly understand the subject.
IV.  What makes a definition?
          A.  Boundaries
                   1.  Guidelines for describing a term.
V.  What kinds of definitions are there?
          A. Scientific definitions
                   1.  Specific and technical
          B.  Simulative definitions
                   1.  Based on individual or group agreements
          C.  Inventive definitions
                   1.  Used to describe previously unrecognized ideas, categories or concepts
          D.  Personal definitions
                   1.  Perceived through personal experience
VI.  What are word connotations?
          A.  Feelings associated with a word
                   1.  The way words make us feel
VII.  Is it important to define key ideas?
          A.  You cannot back an argument with undefined key terms.
                   1.  Clear definitions are needed to back up your statements.
VIII.  What are word concepts?
          A.  A general idea
                   1.  The beginning of critical thinking
IX.  What is critical reading?
          A.  Reading to understand
                   1.  You must question what you read


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