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A Definition Essay
A definition essay attempts to define
a specific term.
tries to pin down the meaning of a
specific word, or define an abstract
concept.
goes deeper than a simple dictionary
definition
A Definition Essay
attempts to explain why the term is
defined as such.
could define the term directly,
giving no information other than the
explanation of the term.
it could imply the definition of the
term, telling a story that requires the
reader to infer the meaning.
Choosing a Definition
Choosing
Thesis Statement
2 things
2 things
III. CONCLUSION
A. Closing attention getter WRAP IT UP!!
Sometimes a reference back to the opening attentiongetter is a good way of unifying the entire essay
B. FUTURE: You should end with a comment about the
future of the Idea/Concept/Term
A. What does the future hold for the subject? Speculate
on its effectiveness and duration into the future.
C. REFLECTION: Include a comment about the term, or a
summarizing statement regarding the paper itself, may
often be included.
D. End with an explanation of how your definition has
affected you.
Complete the following steps in the process of collecting details for your definition essay:
1. Select a word that you plan to investigate. The word should have some interest, importance, or
meaning to you personally. Example: Beauty, persistence, enlightenment, punishment etc.
2. Begin by writing down a few simple statements about your word: "Laughter is ......"
3. Now record the word's dictionary definition:
4. Classify your word: Part of Speech: noun, verb, adjective, adverb
General Type: character trait, political term, value, religion, literary term, etc.
Connotations:
5. In a thesaurus, discover words that have similar meanings.
6. Differentiate:
a. Write out a series of negative definitions: (Laughter is not.....)
b. Make a list of subtle and borderline comparisons: (Laughter may seem similar to humor, but ....)
7. Identify at least two extended examples which illustrate the word.
a.
b.
8. After your research, determine a particular thesis or main idea about your word.
(Negation)
Star-crossed lovers have stated that love is not hand nor foot nor any
part belonging to a man. Matrimonial ceremonies also claim that love is
not jealous or boastful. Let it be stated here that love also is not a
gourmet dish, a domesticated animal, or a latest trend. Love is not a
strategic defense mechanism nor the best kept secret at the Pentagon.
Love is not another seasoning to bottle and stick on the dust-lined
shelves of the spice rack. Love is not to be confused with adhesive tape.
Instead, love is a great counterpart to late, evening thunder storms on
hot July nights. Love goes well with cold pizza on picnic blankets. Love
is cold, wet sand between bare toes. Love is a capitalistic sell-all for
novels, Top-40 pop songs, summer movies, and greeting cards.
In its simplest terms, love is a four-letter word. Much like other words
of similar letter make up, when expressed it can evoke laughter,
pleasure, pain, anger, and virtually any wave of reaction. Love also can
be confused with feelings of indigestion and gas. Houses have been
built, burned, and banished because of love.
Starter Topics
1.
2.
3.
Peace of mind
Kindness
Sexism
Gumption
Racism
Sportsmanship
Honor
Modesty
Self-assurance
Humility
Dedication
Sensitivity
Trust
Respect
Ambition
Clowns
Right to privacy
Generosity
Laziness
Charisma
Common sense
Team player
Maturity
Integrity
Healthy appetite
Frustration
Optimism
Sense of humor
Liberal
Conservative
A good (or bad)
teacher or
professor
Physical fitness
Feminism
A happy marriage
True friendship
Courage
Citizenship
Success
A good (or bad) coach
Intelligence
Personality
A good (or bad) roommate
Political correctness
Peer pressure
Leadership
Persistence
Responsibility
Human rights
Sophistication
Self-respect
Heroism
Thrift
Sloth
Vanity
Pride
Lust
Pride
Beauty
Greed
Virtue
Progress
A good (or bad) boss
A good (or bad) parent
Model Paragraphs and Essays
A Definition of Happiness, by Nikos
Kazantzakis
A Definition of a Jerk, by Sydney J.
Harris
Gifts, by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Gore Vidal's Definition of Prettiness
A Definition of Pantomime, by Julian
Barnes
The Meaning of Home, by John
Berger
The Essence of Humanism, by
William James