Extended Definition Essay

Extended Definition Essay
“If you wish to converse with me, define your terms.” – Voltaire “the beginning of wisdom is the definition of terms.” – Socrates

Day 1 - Introduction

Definition Helps us convey what we actually mean.
Why do we define things? That is, what is the purpose of definition? Helps us convey what we actually mean. Clarifies and lessens confusion for the audience.

“Run” Verb Noun My dog loves to run about in the park (move quickly with legs) She runs a very successful business (manages) The bus company runs a regular weekend service (offer a service) Don’t leave your car engine running (machine: working) I always go for a 10k run in the mornings. The play has had a successful run in the West End. (a period of time) I do the school run every morning and my husband does it in the afternoon (ajourney that a train, ship, car and so on does regularly) Verb Noun

Friend Write a quick definition of friend.
Did we all agree? Why or why not?

“A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.”
- Elbert Hubbard “What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies.” ― Aristotle “True friendship comes when the silence between two people is comfortable.” – David Tyson Gentry “My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me.” – Henry Ford “Ultimately the bond of companionship, whether in marriage or in friendship, is conversation.” – Oscar Wilde “One of the most beautiful qualities of true friendship is to understand and to be understood.” – Seneca “Friends show their love in times of trouble, not in happiness.” – Euripides “It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson Elbert Hubbard – American Writer David Tyson Gentry – Canadian music producer Seneca – Roman philosopher Euripides – Ancient scholar and tragedian

Problems of Definition
Richard is dead John killed Richard. John killed Richard unlawfully. John killed Richard following premeditation. John killed Richard with malice. endangered species poverty line life / being alive marriage murder illicit drug cheating When a tree falls in a forest but nobody hears it, does it make a sound? The answer is totally dependent on your definition of sound. If you define it as waves in the air, the answer is yes; if you define it as the subjective experience of hearing, the answer is no.

1) Ambiguity: in what sense of the word?

Ambiguous newspaper headlines
“STOLEN PAINTING FOUND BY TREE” “KIDS MAKE NUTRITIOUS SNACKS” “DRUNK GETS NINE MONTHS IN VIOLIN CASE” “GRANDMOTHER OF EIGHT MAKES HOLE IN ONE” “HOSPITALS ARE SUED BY 7 FOOT DOCTORS”

2) Context: in which cases/ contexts?

3) Relativity: for who?

4) Intensity: to what degree or extent? Political Compass politicalcompass.org

Apply to “friend.” What types or categories of friends are there? E.g. Are Facebook “friends” actual friends?

Homework Prepare your portfolio for semester 2. I will check your materials next class period: three-ring binder 4 tabs, labeled paper

Day 2 – The Definition Olympics

Warm-Up Reflect on Gandhi’s quotation. Do you agree, disagree, or partially agree and disagree? Explain.

Homework Pick three to five concepts you may want to write your definition essay about. Try to write a definition for each term.

Day 3 – Methods of Definition

Warm-Up Reflect on Hawking’s quotation. Do you agree, disagree, or partially agree and disagree? Explain.

Definition: Methods Brainstorm: How do you define something?
What types of methods can you use?

Definition: Methods 6 Main Methods
Read your paragraph and be able to explain how the writer uses that method of definition to define his or her term. As a group, make a brief outline of the paragraph topic at the bottom of the page. You will be asked to present your method and an explanation to the class.

Exemplify/ Illustrate
Definition: Methods Classify Compare & contrast Exemplify/ Illustrate Negate Show causes & effects Characterize

Definition: Methods 6 Main Methods 1) Classify
Divide the term into its different types and describe each type Tip: Be wary of superficiality!

Definition: Methods 2) Compare & contrast
Show how the subject is like or unlike something else.

Definition: Methods 3) Exemplify/illustrate
Give examples or narrate incidents

Definition: Methods 4) Negate Tell us what the term is not
Using non-examples

Definition: Methods 5) Causes and effects
Describe and analyze causes/origins and effects/outcomes/consequences of the term Effects can also mean “benefits” or “advantages”

Definition: Methods 6) Characterize
Describe and analyze major characteristics (i.e. criteria) of the term

Definition: Methods Return to your outline.
Which method(s) of definition did you use?  Write the name of the method(s) next to your body paragraphs.

Definition: Methods Return to your outline.
Did you rely too heavily on one? Did you have a mixture of several? Are the ones you chose suitable for your topic and thesis?

Day 4 – Model Essay Analysis

Warm-Up Reflect on Churchill’s quotation. Do you agree, disagree, or partially agree and disagree? Explain.

Eva Grace EJ Maria Barbora Kronsteiner A Jerome Daniel Aleks Nianci Jeremiah Paula Brandon Suzy Jenny Lew Tomas Joseph Richard

John Ty Orange Sia Margaux Melissa Danny Duyen Ti Jeremy Skyla JiHae Aleks Chris Jack Jorge Vlad Patrycja Sofia Matthew Charlene Cliff Lynn Steven Kris

Model Essay Analysis Share your terms
Do you have substantial experience with this term? Is it complex, abstract, and debatable? Is it neither too broad nor too narrow?

Alternative essay: “Guerrilla Street Art”
Is the writer neutral on the subject? How do you know? How does this affect the essay? What types of real-world examples did the writer use in her essay? What do the examples reveal about her attitude towards the topic? Is “guerrilla street art” a euphemism (婉辞)? Why or why not? Does “guerrilla street art” actually create value (as the writer argues) or does it devalue the public space?

Day 5 – Introduction, thesis, conclusion

Warm-Up Reflect on Adams’ quotation. Do you agree, disagree, or partially agree and disagree? Explain. American cartoonist, creator of the Dilbert comic strip

Definition: Intro. Introductions are like first impressions…

Hook Funnel Thesis Definition: Intro. grab attention
motivates us to read Hook information that lead towards thesis Funnel your personal definition of your term Thesis

Definition: Intro. Two common techniques: 1) etymology of the term
2)differentiate from common knowledge

Definition: Intro. Etymology: the history of the word
Check out etymonline.com evil “The Meaning of Home” – John Berger human fear courage success

Definition: Intro. Differentiate from common knowledge
E.g. “Though most students view education as simply going to school and learning information in class, education is actually much broader than that.”

Definition: Thesis Thesis statement Should do three things:
State your term Define your term clearly (personal definition) Give us a reason to care: importance, value, relevance, etc.

Definition: Thesis Yikes  Meh. Yay 
Patriotism means being patriotic. Patriotism means loving your country. Patriotism means that a person exercises his right to vote and speaks out when feels the government’s actions are wrong. In order to protect the freedom and rights of our American republic, citizens should be patriotic: exercising his right to vote and speaking out when he feels the government’s actions are wrong.

Definition: Thesis Happiness means being happy. -------------
Yikes  Meh. Yay  Happiness means being happy. Happiness means feeling joy. Happiness allows us to fulfill our potential in life. Happiness – being confident and having a supportive group of family and friends – allows us to fulfill our potential in life.

Definition: General Tips
Tips for topics/terms: Don’t use the term in your definition (i.e. a circular definition) Don’t limit the term so much that it becomes inaccurate Address common knowledge and misconceptions

Definition: Intro. Practice
Write a thesis statement for one of the following terms: Responsibility Heroism Beauty Persistence American Dream Term + personal definition + reason for caring

Definition: Intro. Practice
Choose the best thesis from your group. As a group, develop a sample introduction.

Definition: Your Own Thesis
Now evaluate your own… term + personal def. + reason to care worded powerfully and clearly?

Definition: Your Own Thesis
Now your own… Trade with a classmate and have them check. term + personal def. + reason to care worded powerfully and clearly? Sharing is caring 

Definition: Conc. Conclusion “So What?”
Gives the larger importance, significance, relevance, or value Might look to the future Might challenge the reader

Definition: Conc. If you were to write a conclusion based on your introduction and thesis, what would you write about?

Day 6 – Peer review

Three ways… The Old Fashioned Way: paper and pencil (peer review form + mark up the essay). The New Old Fashioned Way: download the peer review form from my website and type your comments. Mark up the essay with pen/pencil. E- mail a copy to Ms. Storm and your partner. The Microsoft Word Way: track changes and add comments based on the peer review form. a copy to Ms. Storm and your partner.

Success Define “success” in one or two sentences.

Success Making lots of money and accumulating vast amounts of wealth.
Simply being happy with everything that you do and what happens to you. Attaining deep enlightenment and realizing enlightenment. Finding your soulmate and raising a wonderful family. Is different for each of us and cannot be defined. There is no such thing as true success; it is just a fantasy that some people have.

A Definition Essay Examples: A definition essay may try and define . . . the meaning of an abstract concept, like love; the true meaning and importance of honesty; how the meaning of family goes deeper than just your blood relatives.

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

attempts to explain why the term is defined as such.
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.

def-i-ni-tion (def' e-nish' en) n. 1
def-i-ni-tion (def' e-nish' en) n. 1. The act of defining a word, phrase, or term. 2. The act of making clear and distinct. 3. A determining of outline, extent, or limits. Consider the following guidelines as you write your definition essay: Make your essay personal, amusing, vigorous, stimulating, memorable. Choose a generic topic rather than a specific topic. For example, write about churches but not Westminster Abbey. Your task is to make the definition fresh by using your own understanding and experience to illuminate the word’s meaning.

What is the term to be defined?
DEFINITION ESSAY -- PLANNING GUIDE What is the term to be defined? 2. Who is the intended audience for the writing? Is this a general audience for which terms must be broken down in laymen's terms or is it a specific/specialized audience that will know technical terms and will not require further definition? 3. What is the purpose for the intended definition?

Three Steps to Effective Definition
Tell readers what term is being defined. Present clear and basic information. Use facts, examples, or anecdotes that readers will understand.

Choosing a Definition Choosing 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. Be able to explain the term briefly in your own words.

Limiting Your Term 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," "first love."

Outline – The Introduction
DEFINITION THEME – OUTLINE FORMAT Introduction: Attention getter You may want to include the traditional or dictionary definition here to provide a basis for your personal definition. You may want to open with a contradictory image to illustrate what that term is not. Thesis Statement

Outline – The Introduction
Focus on the THESIS STATEMENT Your thesis statement should include the following information: The term to be defined Sentence definition of the term Reason(s) for giving a more detailed definition The kinds of additional information that will be used to extend the definition

Outline – The Body The body of an extended definition may use one or more of the patterns of organization to assist in a fuller explanation of the term. You must include in the body of your essay a minimum of 2 things to focus on from the list below: Etymology: Where do words come from? How and when were they invented? Why are there so many different languages? Why do many languages share the same or similar words for the same things? Counterpoints or Negation: What is it NOT? What can't it do? What are its limitations? Process: describes the steps necessary to accomplish a described task. Anecdotal Illustration: Narrate illustrations that can clarify a group, theory, or object.

Outline – The Body You must include in the body of your essay a minimum of 2 things to focus on from the list below: Description: A formal one line definition of the word is appropriate for this technique. Ex. Cheese is a solid food prepared from the pressed curd of milk, often seasoned and aged. Concrete Details: What are the physical characteristics? What is remarkable and unique? Analysis: Divide the subject into parts and define each part separately. Comparison/Contrast: What similarities and/or differences can you identify when compared to something else.

Outline – The Body You must include in the body of your essay a minimum of 2 things to focus on from the list below: Narrative: a story that helps to illustrate the depth of meaning in the term Effects: Discuss the uses and consequences (both positive and negative) of the subject. Classification: According to dictionary definitions, what classes does the subject belong to? Origins & Cause: Where did the subject come from? What is the background information? What is the history of the subject?

Outline – The Conclusion
Closing attention getter – WRAP IT UP!! Sometimes a reference back to the opening attention-getter is a good way of unifying the entire essay FUTURE: You should end with a comment about the future of the Idea/Concept/Term What does the future hold for the subject? Speculate on its effectiveness and duration into the future. REFLECTION: Include a comment about the term, or a summarizing statement regarding the paper itself, may often be included. End with an explanation of how your definition has affected you.

That still leaves options.
Purpose of the Paper . . . To see if you can write at length about some topic, in a focused and sustained way. Focused -- not rambling disconnectedly on "everything I know about X", but discussing a specific topic or cluster of interrelated topics in an integrated way. Sustained -- following through some clear line(s) of argument in some depth. That still leaves options. You may go 'vertically' and dig more deeply into one particular issue; or You may go 'horizontally' and be concerned to make connections, and show how different parts of a “philosophical” landscape fit together -- or a bit of both. Whichever way you go, you should aim for a clearly structured essay and some meaty arguments.

Purpose of the Paper A definition essay defines a word, term, or concept in depth by providing a personal commentary on what the specific subject means. Most physical objects have a definition about which most people agree. Most people will agree on what trees, windows, computers, and pencils are in general. These objects all have specific physical properties that most people can agree on through the use of their physical senses.

Focus of the Paper 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.

Selecting a TERM for the Paper
Select a subject carefully. Since such essays are personal in nature, select your subject based on your own need to clarify the term. PICK A TERM THAT YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT. 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. Perhaps as a student, you want to define what the term education means from your point of view.

Select a term or subject that you know well enough so that you can provide specific examples to illustrate your definition. For example, if you aren’t familiar with the term platonic love, don’t attempt to define it in an extended essay. The subject of the essay must be familiar enough to you that you can readily supply specific examples.

Don’t select a subject either too broad or too narrow to fit the parameters of your essay. For example, the word hat may be too narrow for you to define in an extended essay. On the other hand, the term love may be too broad or general since pinning it down to a single definition is very difficult.

Preparing for the Paper
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.

Brief Example – Woman – 259 words. What is a woman
Brief Example – Woman – 259 words What is a woman? A woman is a female by denotation, but the connotations are almost limitless. A woman is a marvelous creation designed for multiple applications. From her controversial beginnings in the Garden of Eden, to her place in modern culture, woman has never been without her critics. Despite being blamed for the downfall of man, woman has managed to survive right along with her male counterpart. A woman may be classified in many ways: as a mother, a daughter, a sister or friend; as a laborer or a professional; but, in recent years, women have become harder and harder to classify by their roles or their careers. Instead, a woman may be described as nurturing, but she is also competitive and a risk-taker. She must be tough and resilient as well as living up to her reputation for tenderness and softness. She has fought to overcome old stereotypes of hysteria and emotional outbursts. Modern culture requires women to be savvy, well-educated, nurturing and self- supporting. No free rides for this modern female. A woman, however, no matter how accomplished and well-rounded is not a man. She does not crave the remote control, she does not engage in "testosterone tests" shouldering her opponents out of the way! No, though able to compete with the best, she is always conscious of bringing friends (and enemies) to a higher level. The future looks good for woman. She is a traditional part of the past, a worthy participant in the present, and a dynamic force for the future.

Sample Definition Essay - 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.

(Origin and Causes) 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, dizzyness, 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.

(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. Write an essay defining a food--but include a thesis statement that paints a very favorable portrait of a much-maligned food (for example, Spam or Brussels sprouts) or a very negative picture of a popular food (for example, chocolate or ice cream). 2. Write an essay in which you define burden at a personal level, by giving examples of the kinds of things you consider burdens. You might want to develop your definition essay with comparison and contrast, exploring the differences between a burden and a responsibility. 3. Write an essay in which you define a family role, for example, the role of a stepmother. Make sure to include the duties of this person. OR you could pick one of these

TOPICS List (about.com)
Peace of mind Kindness Sexism Gumption Racism Sportsmanship Honor Modesty Self-assurance Humility Dedication Sensitivity Trust Respect Ambition Clowns 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 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 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

Extended Definition Essay

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