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Write an extended definition. If you were from another country, how would you explain it to me? For example a microwave oven cooks food. how? how long? What does it look like? How do i program it? Choose a modern convenience or idea (trust, responsibility, etc) and clearly define it.

Your teacher is probably looking for you to be as specific as possible on an assignment like this. Assume your audience has no idea what the item does.  Maybe think about explaining how an ipod works to someone who has never used one.  For example, I can guarantee my grandpa has no idea how to even turn an ipod on. 

Be specific in what it looks like, the functions, etc. Make sure to explain every aspect.  Don't use terms that the audience might not understand without explaining what they mean.  You'll need to explain the terms. For my ipod example, you'd need to also explain things like download, itunes, usb, mp3, etc. 

It may also be helpful to use some comparison, but you really have to make sure the comparision is relevent.  For the microwave example, you could explain how the microwave heats compared to a conventional oven.

A modern convenience will probably be easier for you to define than an idea...take for instance "honor" or "love"...these ideas are much more difficult to explain than "microwave" or "computer" since they are not items you can touch, see, and watch them operate.  Ideas are also difficult to define since no two people define them in the same way--they are intangible and different to every individual.

Sounds like you are on the right track, and you've got some good advice here.  Choose your item, make a list of all the things it does, and answer the following questions:  How, What, When, Where, Why to the best of your ability for the item you choose.  Then weave that all into an essay that fully and completely explains your choice.