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Definition EssayWhat is a Definition Essay?A definition essay is writing that explains what a term means. Some terms have definite, concrete meanings, such as glass, book, or tree. Terms such as honesty, honor, or love are abstract and depend more on a person's point of view.Three Steps to Effective DefinitionTell readers what term is being defined. Present clear and basic information. Use facts, examples, or anecdotes that readers will understand. Choosing a DefinitionChoosing a definition is a key step in writing a definition essay. You need to understand the term before you can define it for others. Read the dictionary, but don't just copy the definition. Explain the term briefly in your own words. Also, it's important to limit your term before you start defining it. For example, you could write forever on the term "love." To limit it, you would write about either "romantic love," "platonic love," or "first love."Thesis Statement of a Definition EssayThe thesis statement usually identifies the term being defined and provides a brief, basic definition.(term) (basic definition)Ex: Assertiveness is standing up for your rights.How To Write an Effective DefinitionCreate a definition. There are several ways to define a term. Here are a few options. Define by function. Explain what something does or how something works. Define by structure. Tell how something is organized or put together. Define by analysis. Compare the term to other members of its class and then illustrate the differences. These differences are special characteristics that make the term stand out. For example, compare a Siberian husky to other dogs, such as lap dogs, mutts, or sporting dogs.(term) (precise definition)Ex: A Siberian husky is a dog reputed for its ability to tolerate cold, its distinctive features, and its keen strength and stamina.Define by what the term does not mean. This distinction can sometimes clarify a definition and help a reader to better understand it. Use understandable facts, examples, or anecdotes. Select facts, examples, or anecdotes to fully explain your definition. Ask yourself, "Which examples will best help readers understand the term? What examples would most appeal to my readers? Will a brief story reveal the term's meaning?" Do not use any examples that will not support the definition. Remember: A definition essay is writing that explains what a term means. When writing a definition essay, remember to tell readers what term is being defined, to present a clear and basic definition, and to use facts, examples, or anecdotes that readers will understandMethods for Writing Definiton Essays (use of other modes for support) Methods used when defining: Most of the modes we have studied so far can be used as methods in the definition essay. For example, to define something, a writer can Describe it Tell stories about it (anecdotes) Compare or contrast it to other things Give examples of it Classify it and identify its unique properties Describe causes and effects of the item being defined Explain its process of functioning An example of a definition essay is the introduction to Terence McLauglin's book Dirt: A Social History as Seen Through the Uses and Abuses of Dirt (1971) where he defines dirt by giving examples, comparing it to things which are not considered dirt, by analogies, and by extended examples (narratives). Thesis In a formal definition essay, the thesis is usually the formal definition. The significance, importance, relevance, or value of discussing this term is usually provided in the introduction. In an informal definition essay, the thesis focuses on the significance, importance, relevance, or value of the thing being defined. Most of the essays in our textbook are examples of informal definitions. Definition essays can focus on words, which are Obscure, unknown--the definition given is usually formal Necessary to a field of study--usually formal definitions are given Misunderstood--these essays often focus on the value of a correct understanding or the history of how the word became misunderstood Abstract--Often-informal definitions will be given of abstract words like love or beauty with the purpose of making these abstractions more accessible or concrete. Often these definitions are highly personal. Commonplace--sometimes definition essays will focus on commonplace words for the purpose of leading readers to a new appreciation of the word or to revitalize the word.How to write a Definition Essay??????????? Definition essays aren’t difficult to write. By a definition essay, we mean an essay that defines what a term means. This could be a concrete term, such as “Egg” or “Water”, or abstract, like “Honor” or “Friendship” or the done-to-death “Love”. The topic is usually general, and being so broad, the approach is completely up to the writer; whether he wishes it to be serious or humorous, general or specific. There a few basic guidelines that will aid you in writing a good definition essay.1)????? Know what term is being defined, and explain it clearly to the reader. BUT dictionary definitions will only sound pedantic and uninteresting. Define the term in your own words, and adding a bit of a personal touch is always welcome to the reader.2)????? Present understandable information. Hazy and uneven details and abstract ramblings will not make the essay readable or comprehensible. 3)????? Add personality to your essay. Put in anecdotes, personal bits of information (not necessarily the skeletons in your closet) and other memorabilia. If you enjoy writing the essay, the reader will certainly enjoy reading it. There are different ways that you can go about defining a term. The simple Webster’s definition will not help you garner the interest of the reader, and in many cases, the definition is less understandable than the term itself. The different methods to make the topic more understandable are listed and explained below:Analysis: The subject may be separated into different parts and those parts could be described separately. For example, if the topic is love then the many types of love could be explained individually. The writer may start with platonic love, then romantic love, unrequited love, and first love. Comparison: By comparing the subject to something else, it might make it more lucid to the reader. If the topic is Communism, then comparing it to capitalism or socialism, may make the concept of communism much clearer.Details: providing the reader with the physical and internal attributes, conceptual background and traditional thoughts of the subject is another way of making it more apparent to the reader. Negation: Pointing out what the subject is not, may make what it is clearer to the reader. An essay on Hinduism I read started by stating that Hinduism was NOT Christianity, and then began pointing out the dissimilarities between the two religions. This was a very effective beginning.Examples and Anecdotes: when explaining a very abstract concept, the best way to make your meaning clear is by giving examples. When defining “truth” for instance, a well placed story highlighting the truthfulness of a person may make a greater impact than a theoretical rambling on what truth could or could not mean.Origins and Causes: discussing the background of a topic may also help. If you are writing about “fire” such as, then theorizing on how fire may have been discovered will add interest to your essay.??? Results, effects, and causes: topics such as “Racism” or “Poverty” cannot be truly discussed without describing the effects that they render on the human psyche. Similarly topics such as “Pollution” and “Global warming” lack poignancy if the results and causes are not mentioned.Definition essays are the perfect opportunity to let your wit and imagination run wild. Remember to make your essay amusing, poignant, personal and thus memorable to the reader.Definition EssayI. A definition essay defines a word, term, or concept in depth by providing a personal commentary on what the specific subject means.A. Most physical objects have a definition about which most people agree.1. Most people will agree on what trees, windows, computers, and pencils are in general.2. These objects all have specific physical properties that most people can agree on through the use of their physical senses.B. However, abstract terms, such as love, pain, or patriotism, have different meanings for different individuals since such terms play on people’s feelings more than their physical senses.C. The definition essay provides a personal, extended definition of such terms by linking or comparing the term to a previous definition and by illustrating how that term should be applied.II. Setting up the definition essayA. Select a subject carefully.1. Since such essays are personal in nature, select your subject based on your own need to clarify the term.a. For example, if you feel that the word marriage should be defined in a limited manner, that term would make a good subject for a definition essay.b. Perhaps as a parent, you want to define what the term discipline means from your point of view.2. Select a term or subject that you know well enough so that you can provide specific examples to illustrate your definition.a. For example, if you aren’t familiar with the term platonic love, don’t attempt to define it in an extended essay.b. The subject of the essay must be familiar enough to you that you can readily supply specific examples.3. Don’t select a subject either too broad or too narrow to fit the parameters of your essay.a. For example, the word hat may be too narrow for you to define in an extended essay.b. On the other hand, the term love may be too broad or general since pinning it down to a single definition is very difficult.B. Once you have selected a subject, outline your paper carefully before writing.1. Outlining will help you determine the specific points you want to cover in the definition and point out where you need examples.2. Here are some suggestions for how to outline a definition paper:?I. IntroductionA. Attention getter1. You may want to include the traditional or dictionary definition here to provide a basis for your personal definition.2. You may want to open with a contradictory image to what would be your image to illustrate that definition.B. Thesis: State how you define the term. If you can write the definition using specific points, you will find the definition easier to follow when writing the paper.II. BodyA. Background information: 1. Often unnecessary in this type of paper2. However, you may need to provide some background about the term or your connection to the term.B. Point one1. The first part of your definition of the term.2. Example to illustrate that point.3. Analysis of how the example illustrates the point.C. Point two1. The second part of the definition of the term.2. Example to illustrate that point.3. Analysis of how the example illustrates the point.D. Point three1. The third part of the definition (if there is one)2. Example to illustrate that point.3. Analysis of how the example illustrates the point.E. Point four, etc.III. ConclusionA. Review your definition’s main pointsB. Closing attention getter1. Sometimes a reference back to the opening attention-getter is a good way of unifying the entire essay.2. You may want to close with an explanation of how your definition has affected you.?3. Here is the outline for the sample definition paper on patriotism:?I. IntroductionA. Attention getter: Traditional definition of patriotism (as perceived in an image)B. Thesis: Patriotism is speaking out when a person feels the country is right or wrong, voting, campaigning, and respecting others.II. Body ??????????? A. Speaking out when country is wrong1. Vietnam2. Slavery3. Women’s right to voteB. Speaking out when country is right1. Afghanistan2. Health careC. Voting1. Making a choice based on one’s needs2. Being involved in the voting processD. Campaigning1. Finding a candidate who represents country’s needs2. Barbara Boxer from CaliforniaE. Respecting others1. Paying taxes.2. Respecting others’ points of view3. Arab-American prejudice after 9/11.III. ConclusionA. Review of patriot as protestor, voter, and respectful citizen.B. Closing attention getter: return to introduction's image of patriot?III. Writing the definition essayA. Make sure that you have a good, specific thesis that tells readers just how you will define the term.B. Follow your outline to remind yourself when you need examples and analysis of those examples.? 1. Modify your outline when you think you need to.? 2. Remember not to paragraph based on your outline's points.C. Use good, specific examples to illustrate each point.1. Examples allow readers to visualize how the definition can be applied.2. You may need to do research to find good examples.3. See Researching the Topic.D. Provide good transitions to link all parts of the essay.E. Have a good conclusion that brings the parts of the definition together and leaves readers with an image of how the definition is applied.F. Proofread carefully.V. See sample definition paper.The Definition EssayLearn how to write a definition essay here: Definitions may be classified as three types: short, stipulative, or extended.short: A short definition explains a word by a brief identification of its meaning. (This is the kind of definition that dictionaries provide.)stipulative: Stipulative definitions identify the particular meaning you intend to use in your writing. (For example, the word liberal often has various connotations.)extended: These definitions may include both short and stipulative definitions, but they go far beyond both. They are essentially essays that seek to explain the writer's view of a subject, something that cannot be done effectively in a short definition. An extended definition may begin with a dictionary definition, but it goes on to add to, modify, and illustrate that definition. In so doing, it may use any of the patterns of development discussed earlier in this class: it may compare or contrast one meaning with another; it may provide descriptive or illustrative examples; it may show cause and effect.Definition Essay ProcessComplete 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: Laughter2. 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, adverbGeneral 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.left0Grading Scale forExtended Definition Essay(Below 60) Level 1 These compositions only mention the term or vaguely discuss the concept without even minimally defining it.(60-69) Level 2 Compositions in this group state the terms to be defined, identify a class to which the term belongs, and give some differentiating details. The details are generally not elaborated examples, synonyms, or description.(70-79) Level 3 These compositions put the term in a class and provide differences. They also give some criteria (standards or tests on which a judgment can be based) to define the term and contain a few examples. The criteria are general, superficial, or unclearly stated, and the examples often are not clearly related to the criteria.(80-89) Level 4 Besides classifying and differentiating, compositions in this group contain several specific criteria that identify the term and examples that explain and elaborate these criteria.(90-100) Level 5 These compositions contain the characteristics of level 4, but they are more sophisticated because they also contain elaborate criteria and examples that focus on distinguishing the term from other closely related terms or concepts. Criteria and examples deal with the grey area and borderline cases in order to clarify the limits of the definition. Criteria are clarified through examples followed by a contrasting example.Definition Essay|Printable version| Definition: The aim in this essay is to define, explain, and exemplify something. Generally, in definition essays, we try to make the terms that we use understandable for the reader. Our understanding of a term may be different from the general concept, or we may be focusing on a specific aspect. Giving an exact definition would enable the reader to follow the ideas and arguments in your essay. Organization: Definition of a term is generally given in the introduction. The development of the essay is dedicated to the explanation of the term. There are many ways to explain a term. It is also possible to employ more than one of these methods of development. Below are some of the types of organization that can be used. To illustrate these types of organization, the term Total Quality Management (TQM) is given as an example:Explanation of a Process: The steps involved in the implementation of TQM. Description: Examples of the kind of labor conflict that TQM is supposed to eliminate or parison/Contrast: Contrasts to other management theories, demonstrating what TQM is not as well as what it is.Cause/Effect: How TQM responds to certain needs in the workplace.Narrative: Anecdotal illustration?After writing the essay, we can check to see whether the term is clearly defined or there are still vague points. ?Let's have a look at the organization of the sample essay "What is This Thing Called Love?" The writer has explained the term "love" by explaining first what love is not (comparison / contrast organization). Here is the analysis of the sample essay:Origin and history of the term "love"what love is NOTwhat love ISLanguage: Depending on the kind of organization, you can choose certain transitions; for example, if you are showing the differences between TQM and other management systems, you use on the other hand, whereas, etc. Sample definition essay:?What is This Thing Called Love??A wise man once said that love is a wonderful thing. Although this statement leaves sparse room for argument, it does little to define what love is beyond the vague realm of wonderful. It is my duty as a devout romantic to embark upon the seemingly difficult task of defining love by looking at the history, explaining what love is not, and examining the uses of love and the results of that usage. ?The origin of the word is probably the most logical place to start. As with many words in the English language, love is a derivative of the Latin word "causemajoraproblemus" which means "You're miserable when you got it and miserable when you don't." The word was created to explain the biological phenomenon that existed when certain individuals came into contact with each other and either remained together or went about their lives separately. Regardless of the outcome, the relationship was usually characteristic of throat lumps, knotted stomaches, weak knees, temporary loss of language, sweaty palms, dizziness, sneezing, and occasional nausea. Belligerent insanity also resulted. History clearly illustrates this. Can we ever forget the face that launched a thousand ships? Federally expressing Van Gogh's ear? The construction of Le Tour Eiffel? All of these were results of love and love lost. ?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.? retrieved May 12, 2004_____________________________________________________________Written by Oya Ozagac, May 2004Definition Essay Scoring RubricAuthor:_______________________________________________________________________ of 10 The definition is well-focused & identified by its term, class, and distinguishing characteristics._____ of 10 The essay is powerfully organized and developed for purpose and audience._____ of 20 Each paragraph/section is clearly identified by a topic sentence(s) & flows well with good transitions._____ of 20 Each topic of the definition is well-developed with examples, illustrations, explanations, &/or descriptions._____ of 10 The essay maintains a clear and consistent tone._____ of 20 The essay’s style is interesting with intelligent sentence and diction variety._____ of 10 The essay is virtually free of surface errors and is in proper MLA style._____ of 100 Total Comments:Definition Essay Scoring RubricAuthor:_______________________________________________________________________ of 10 The definition is well-focused & identified by its term, class, and distinguishing characteristics._____ of 10 The essay is powerfully organized and developed for purpose and audience._____ of 20 Each paragraph/section is clearly identified by a topic sentence(s) & flows well with good transitions._____ of 20 Each topic of the definition is well-developed with examples, illustrations, explanations, &/or descriptions._____ of 10 The essay maintains a clear and consistent tone._____ of 20 The essay’s style is interesting with intelligent sentence and diction variety._____ of 10 The essay is virtually free of surface errors and is in proper MLA style._____ of 100 Total Comments: ................
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