15 Composition: Definition Strategies

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INSTRUCTIONS: Read this example definition paragraph. Then answer the questions.

The definition of “good students” means more than just grades. Rather, good students pursue scholarship for the joy of learning. They actively participate in class in order to immerse themselves in the subject. Good students also maintain a positive, professional relationship with instructors and peers because a supportive sense of community is important for learning. Grades are important, but good students use them as one part of a greater whole.

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INSTRUCTIONS: Complete the research chart for the definition of “happiness”.

Now use the best pieces of information (not all of the pieces) to write a paragraph defining “happiness”. Remember to start with a topic sentence. Then use this information to add supporting details.

George Spelvin
ESOL 252 Level 7 Writing
January 1, 2023

More Than Just Grades

          The definition of a good student may not be what you think. Many people define good students as those who receive the best grades. While it is true that good students often earn high grades, I believe that grades are just one aspect of how we define a good student. In fact, even poor students can earn high grades sometimes, so grades are not the best indicator of a student’s quality. Rather, a good student pursues knowledge, actively participates in class, and maintains a positive, professional relationship with instructors and peers.

          Good students have a passion for learning that drives them to fully understand class material rather than just worry about grades. Good students are actively engaged in scholarship, which means they enjoy reading and learning about their subject matter not just because readings and assignments are required. Of course, good students will complete their homework and all assignments. They may even continue to perform research and learn more on the subject after the course ends. In some cases, good students will pursue a subject that interests them but might not be one of their strongest academic areas, so they will not earn the highest grades. Pushing oneself to try new things can be difficult, but good students will challenge themselves rather than remain at their educational comfort level for the sake of a high grade. The pursuit of learning rather than concern over grades is the sign of a good student.

         Class participation and behavior are another aspect of the definition of a good student. Simply attending class is not enough; good students arrive punctually because they understand that tardiness disrupts the class and disrespects the professors. They might occasionally arrive a few minutes early to ask the professor questions about class materials or mentally prepare for the day’s work. Good students always pay attention during class discussions and take notes; they are not checking their cell phones or daydreaming. Excellent class participation requires a balance between speaking and listening, so good students will share their views when appropriate but also respect their classmates’ views when they differ from their own. It is easy to mistake quantity of class discussion comments with quality, but good students know the difference and do not try to dominate the conversation.

          Finally, good students maintain a positive and professional relationship with their professors. They respect their instructor’s authority in the classroom as well as the instructor’s privacy outside of the classroom. Prying into a professor’s personal life is inappropriate, but attending office hours to discuss course material is an appropriate, effective way for students to demonstrate their dedication and interest in learning. Good students go to their professor’s office during posted office hours or make an appointment if necessary. While instructors can be very busy, they are usually happy to offer guidance to students during office hours; after all, availability outside the classroom is a part of their job. Maintaining positive, professional relationships with professors is especially important for those students who hope to attend graduate school and will need letters of recommendation in the future.

          Although good grades often accompany good students, grades are not the only way to indicate what it means to be a good student. The definition of a good student means demonstrating such qualities as engaging with course material, participating in class, and creating a professional relationship with professors. While every professor will have different criteria for earning an A in their course, most would agree on these characteristics for defining good students.