MICHAEL BAYLEY

ENGL 1238 (FB)

EXPANDED DEFINITION OF A DOWNHILL SKI

ABSTRACT
Written for a lay audience, this report will provide an understanding about a downhill ski as well as its origins. A formal definition, illustration, history, and process will be discussed.

I.

INTRODUCTION

A ski is a device that is generally used in the winter for recreation and competition. A ski can be divided into two categories: a downhill ski and a crosscountry ski. This definition will focus on the downhill ski. The four methods of expansion that will be used to describe a downhill ski will be: Formal definition Illustration History Process

II.

METHODS OF EXPANSION

This section will expand the definition of a downhill ski through a formal definition, illustration, history, and process.

A.

FORMAL DEFINITION
Term = Classification + Differentiation Downhill ski = Sporting equipment + Made of wood and fiberglass with a steel edge and is long, flat and slender. A downhill ski is a piece of sporting equipment made from wood and fiberglass, and has a long, flat, and slender profile.

MICHAEL BAYLEY

ENGL 1238 (FB)

B.

ILLUSTRATION
The second method of expansion is an illustration of a downhill ski.

Figure 1: A downhill ski Source: http://www.bravesurf.com/Portals/0/Section%20Images/SKI_ANATOMY.jpg

C.

HISTORY
Skis are believed by archeologists to originate 8,000 years ago. Evidence, such as rock art and artifacts, has been discovered that indicate the presence of skiing during these times. Further development of the ski occurred in the 19th century, where European and Scandinavian immigrants brought their skiing traditions to the United States. Here is where downhill skiing began. Downhill skis were made of entirely wood with devices known as bindings to hold the foot to the ski. In the World War II, some troops were equipped with downhill skis for easier movement in the snow. These skis were made from aluminum, as it was easy for weapon manufactures to produce them. After the war, downhill skiing became much more popular. Downhill skis were being made from combinations of metal and wood. Later curves to the profile of the ski were added to allow for easier turning. This is known as sidecut and camber. Today most downhill skis are layer of wood and fiberglass with steel edges. Designs continually change each year (Allen).

D.

PROCESS
In downhill skiing, the downhill ski is the device attached to the users foot to slide on the surface, which is usually snow. First the ski starts sliding. As soon as the ski moves, friction is generated. Next, a thin layer of water forms on the underside of the ski. This thin layer of water is repelled from the bottom of the ski with wax, which is usually applied before use. As a result the ski slides down the slope with little resistance.

MICHAEL BAYLEY

ENGL 1238 (FB)

III.

CONCLUSION
The downhill ski has been defined with a formal definition, an illustration, a historic background, and a process. The general definition of a downhill ski is a piece of sporting equipment that is used in the winter.

MICHAEL BAYLEY

ENGL 1238 (FB)

Bibliography
Allen, Jae. "History Of Alpine Skis. 14 June 2011. Web. 11 Oct. 2012. <http://www.livestrong.com/article/349807-history-of-alpine-skis/>.

"Downhill ski." Brave New World. 12 Mar. 2012. Web. 11 Oct. 2012. <http://www.bravesurf.com/Portals/0/Section%20Images/SKI_ANATOMY.jpg>.