numero 9

Chapter 9 is all about arguments of definitions, obviously because that's the title of the chapter. When I think about that I get confused, how can an argument have a "definition?" Well the section within the chapter called "developing a definitional argument" explains it all.
It starts out with stating that definitional arguments "don't just appear out of the blue; they evolve out of the occasions and conversations of daily life." I liked their example of the word "nerd." Bascially when I am talking to you and say "omg she is such a nerd," you might think I mean a smart educated young woman when I really mean a girl that, in my eyes, is a girl that has no friends and is obsessive with schoolwork.

They then go on to discuss how the first step is formulating a claim. This means that you will come up with your overall opinion on the word and state your basic definition. They used many examples such as defining volunteers and political bias. I personally would like to continue with the nerd example. I could say my claim is: A nerd is not a smart and popular person. This claim is then the starting point for the rest of my argument about nerds. You are then supposed to add more of a general definition to make it a full-fledged argument. A nerd is not a smart and popular person because a nerd is someone who is weirdly obsessed with schoolwork and has no friends. (Sorry if this is harsh, it is just for the purpose of explaining a definitional argument).
The next paragraphs talk more about formulating the argument. People are always going to question what you have to say, so it is important to show your credibility and make them believe you. They continued on with the volunteer example and used more detail. When sticking with the nerd example, I could say: Lisa Simpson is always doing her schoolwork and sitting at home with no one to hang out with; therefore making her a nerd and not popular. A nerd is not a smart and popular person because a nerd is someone who is weirdly obsessed with schoolwork and has no friends.
With your argument in hand, you have to make sure that it provides evidence of either:
Clear example of class defined (like the nerd argument)
Clearly falls outside the defined class
Falls between two closely related classes or fulfills some conditions of the defined class but not others
Defies existing classes and categories and requires an entirely new definition
 The last step is considering the design and visuals. This can definitely add to your credibility and make the argument more powerful. Contradicting my argument I have the "sexy nerd" as just a fun way of explaining the other side of nerds. Agreeing with the argument I have an actual male nerd image.