Synopsis
In this instructional story Sophie helps Jojo with his assignment, which is to write a definition. What Jojo learns is that “writing” a definition actually means “constructing” a definition.
Sophie helps Jojo to understand the principles underpinning good definitions:
- Definitions should not be unclear or vague.
- Definitions should not be flowery or metaphorical.
- Definitions should avoid negative terms unless absolutely necessary.
- A definition needs two parts like a surname and a first name: a family or group; and an individual, special feature that differentiates the object from its family or group.
- A definition should not be too broad or too narrow. Like the bears’ porridge a definition needs to be “just right”.