1. Definition Essay
Extended Definition: Writing an Essay while using a variety of writing methods

2. What Is It?
In the extended definition essay, you may use the body paragraphs as a tool to create a new definition of a word or term.
You can re-invent a definition of the term or phrase. (Ex. Explore how the term “cool” has been reused by each generation)

3. Requirements 2 ½- 3 pages, five paragraph Essay
Three idea thesis statement
Final Copy, typed and double spaced
Choose the topic of your choice, but look at the topic suggestions at the end of the presentation for inspiration.
Send the rough draft to AskOnline.

4. Writing Methods Mixing the Writing Methods
Telling a story-brief experiences
Comparison/Contrast-
Cause and Effect
Persuasion
Discussion
Illustration- brief stories

5. Vary the Examples
You can incorporate several of the writing methods to help define a term or idea.
Examples
Get the Reader’s Attention: Narrate a story, describe a created story.
Use Comparison/Contrast or Cause and Effect in a body paragraph to compare two ideas (i.e Happiness v.s. Sadness) or to emphasize the impact of an event (War leads to destruction, poverty, etc.)

6. Other Ideas You can offer concrete details to a term that is abstract
Abstract: A concept that cannot be seen but that we know exists.
Ex. Beauty: It is defined by outer appearance, inner qualities, and nature.
Hint: Choose outer/inner beauty to contrast
Hint: Choose three items/aspects in nature that are beautiful.

7. Options Options for the Definition Essay are many.
You have a lot of choices to make as the writer. That means that you have a lot of decisions to make about the Essay- how you will approach the topic, what aspects of the topic you would like to discuss on paper, and how you plan to organize the examples

8. Options Con’t Here are some additional methods of development:
Discuss the characteristics, qualities of your topic. (First body paragraph.)
Discuss the opposites of the topic. (Second body paragraph.)
Significance of the topic: This topic is important because…”

9. Three idea thesis statement
Once you choose a topic, break it down into three parts. This is where you decide how you will approach the Essay. You can get these more specific ideas about the topic from a Brainstorming or Clustering list.

10. Thesis Statement
Ex. Happiness can be defined by a person’s thoughts, words, and actions.
I. Intro.- Discussion of what people think happiness means.
II. 1st body Paragraph: Thoughts: examples of a person who is happy and how they think about themselves, others, the world around them.

11. Con’t
III. 2nd paragraph: Words : Examples: How does a person talk to others, about others, etc.
IV. 3rd body paragraph: Actions: Examples:
How does a person act when they are happy? What affect does their actions have on others?
V. Conclusion: Significance of the topic, etc.

12. Conclusion
The outline and thesis statement is an example, but there are many ways to develop this Essay.

13. Topic Suggestions Pride Dignity Ethics Unity Justice Education
Sacrifice Anger
Sorrow Joy
Confidence Pain
Honor Positive Thought

14. Topics Con’t Anorexia Couch Potato Bulimia Diva Heart Disease Football
Family Baseball
A Good Parent Soccer
Alcoholism Happiness
Drug Abuse