Extended Definition Essay

What is a definition essay? It is an extended explanation of an abstract idea, a complicated idea or a controversial word or phrase Example: love quality beauty

Why should a writer know how to write a definition essay? I: Often people debate about issues and misunderstand each other because of unique definitions. This lack of understanding leads to problems. EXAMPLES: life death morality cheating marriage equality success failure beauty ugliness peace art luckminority(ethnic or otherwise monopoly (in business) defense power weakness

Purpose of a definition essay Specify the meaning of a term or concept Specify distinctive characteristics, and boundaries of that term so that the reader cannot make a mistake

How do we define something that is abstract (something you can’t touch)? How do you define love? How do you define friendship? How do you define hate?

Denotation vs. Connotation Denotation: Dictionary definition of a word. Ex. Love: strong affection for another. Connotation: personal definition (What you think of when you hear a word). Ex. Love: the way a mother feels for her child, having a strong affection toward a sport.

Let’s try it with « Cruelty » Denotation: harshness, brutality, ruthlessness. Connotation: What definitions come to mind about what it means to be cruel?????

Extended Definition Essay:  Defines an abstract term (something you can’t touch) using:  Personal experiences (you experienced)  Observations (you saw)  Readings (you read)  History, quotes, facts  Comparisons  Forms of the word/etymology  What the word is not  Metaphor

What personal experiences do you have of “LOVE”?

How have you observed LOVE?

What have you read about love?

How does this video define love? ated

Words that have complex meanings Words that are open to varied interpretations Words that may be unfamiliar to readers Should be something that you know and care enough about to explore in great detail and immerse completely into its meaning.

Examine and list some conventional meanings Possibly consult an unabridged dictionary Examine differences of opinion regarding the word The different ways wrong or right that you have seen or heard it used Ask others what they think it means Look at ways it is represented in the media, etc.

How can the subject be DESCRIBED? What are some EXAMPLES? Are their ways to narrate an analysis of it? Can the subject be DIVIDED into qualities or characteristics? Can its FUNCTIONS help define it? Will COMPARING AND CONTRASTING it with something else help sharpen its meaning? Do its CAUSES OR EFFECTS help clarify its sense?

Synonyms: convey the range of the word’s meaning(s) Negation: convey what the word does NOT mean and how this limits the meaning or focus Etymology: convey its buried or original meaning

Are you explaining an unfamiliar word? Are you expressing your own views so that readers see a familiar subject from a new angle? Are you arguing in favor of a particular definition? Are you persuading readers to look more closely at themselves or their surroundings? What else could be the purpose?

Your thesis should include: The word you are defining The direction of your essay (may be implied)

A thesis is not a Title A thesis is not an announcement of the subject This paper will attempt to explain why the boys split into two hostile groups. Thesis Statement: The boys split into two hostile groups because of their inherent violent nature A Thesis Statement is Not a Statement of Absolute Fact A thesis makes a judgment or interpretation. There’s no way to spend a whole paper supporting a statement that needs no support.

Specific. There is not enough time to be vague! “The new gym is impressive,” for example, could mean anything from impressively beautiful to impressively ugly. Even when there’s no likelihood of confusion, vague ideas normally come through as so familiar or dull or universally accepted that the reader sees no point in paying attention to them. Unified. It expresses one major idea about its subject. The tight structure of your paper depends on its working to support that ONE IDEA. Restricted. It deals with restricted, bite-size issues rather than issues that would require a lifetime to discuss intelligently. The more restricted the thesis, the better the chances are for supporting it fully.

Should explain why the definition is significant or necessary Consider: Reporting the incident or event that made this definition relevant to you A quotation from another writer that supports or contradicts your definition Explaining what the word does NOT mean (negation) The etymology of the word (NOT the definition!)

Should proceed paragraph by paragraph to REFINE the characteristics or qualities of the term being defined. Should include as many previously mentioned ‘defining strategies’ as necessary to adequately fulfill your purpose.

You might: Move from general to specific Arrange your points in order of increasing importance Begin with a personal experience and show how your definition operates in your environment

You might: Summarize your definition Indicate your definition’s superiority to other definitions Quote another writer who supports your definition Recommend that readers make some use of the information that you have provided