The Definition Essay
The Prompt: “A definition essay goes beyond just a dictionary definition of a word. Usually a word or concept can be defined in just one sentence. A definition essay, however, needs to be several paragraphs. Therefore, the definition must be extended to include examples, details, personal experience, description, causes, effects, analysis, etc. Above all, a definition essay must demonstrate a detailed account of your own opinion about the word or concept. For example, if you are writing an essay about “love,” the thesis and the details must be based upon your personal ideas of what “love” is. Topics for definition essays are always general. In other words, you can write about “Love” or “Truth” or “Justice,” but not “My love for my wife” or “The truth about violence on T.V.” Definition essays are also subjective: you need to assert and support your own opinions about the concept.
Definition essays have two basic parts:
- The denotation, or direct explanation of the meaning, and
- The connotation, or the ideas that the word implies or includes. For example, you may say that “love” means “an affection for a person or thing” (denotation).[unique_solution]
However, what does the word “love” imply? Does it imply loyalty, dedication, gift-giving, sexual passion (connotation)? Do any of these not mean “love” for you? You can check in a thesaurus for words of similar meanings that may show connotation.” (Source: http://www.spot.pcc.edu/~dramirez/262Writing8/Handouts/Handbook_DefinitionEssay.pdf)
Length: 3 pages
Format: 12 pt. Times New Roman, typed, double-spaced, MLA header, 1” margins, indented paragraphs, an original title, in text citations, MLA works cited
Research: No outside sources required.
GUM Focus: Holistic
Stylistic Focus: Use third person point of view, academic language, and a voice in the formal register.
Submit: Paper copy in class AND digital copy through SafeAssign on Blackboard.
Organizational Outline:
1st paragraph:
Introduction: “hook” – anecdote, interesting facts, humorous story, personal experience
Thesis statement: topic + your definition
Body paragraphs: Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence.
Develop body paragraphs in some of these ways:
- a) analyze: divide into parts and define each part;
b) compare: show similarities and/or differences with other ideas;
c) exemplify: use examples to illustrate each body paragraph;
d) negate: define what the topic is not so you can clarify what it is;
e) illustrate: describe the subject in detail, giving specific information;
f) give background: relate the history of the word or idea;
Conclusion: Summary, prediction, anecdote, comparison, etc.
Thesis Statement Template:
(CHOSEN WORD) is a (CATEGORY) that (ASPECT 1), (ASPECT 2), and (ASPECT 3).