Karen S. Wright

The one major goal for the The one major goal for the definition essay is for it to be definition essay is for it to be organic and grow from a organic and grow from a definition to a powerful definition to a powerful image.image.

It needs to be more than It needs to be more than than a generalization. than a generalization.

Definitions need to have Definitions need to have vivid examples for support.vivid examples for support.

The issue needs to be one The issue needs to be one you can comment and one you can comment and one that others will want to read.that others will want to read.

Examples define the correct protocol at the State of the Union address.

•Other examples define presidential security.

Examples clarify meaning:

Some terms are difficult to define without examples. For example, the term terrorism needs solid examples.

Most physical objects have definitions with which most people agree such as--

•Dogs

•Trees

•Cars

Abstract terms need to be defined with vivid illustrations and supported by examples:

Patriotism

Poverty

Honesty

Some Important Points to Consider Understand the term you choose to define.

Tell readers your focus.

Make sure all your examples are relevant and will help explain your definition.

Use facts, statistics, and anecdotes.

Select your subject:

For example, a good topic could be to define obese children in the twenty-first century.

Use examples to illustrate not only obese children, but also how they become obese: inactivity, diet, and depression.

Clarify all terms that may seem unfamiliar--not only to you, but to your reader.

Mapping or outlining might help you organize your ideas.

Write your paper’s main idea knowing that it can change.

For a paper to achieve a strong effect, it needs proper and strong support. Use vivid

examples

If necessary enumerate more than one point

Be accurate

By using vivid examples, you help your reader understand the subject through illustrations.

Rather than use too many short examples, use a story or an anecdote to add the human element.

Use relevant examples supporting your thesis.

Use representative of typical or real-life situations.

Your example should leave a lasting impression.

I. Introduction

• Attention getter

• Anecdote

• Perhaps a contradictory image to illustrate and introduce your subject.

II. Body—use separate paragraphs to support each idea

•Examples

•Statistics if needed

•Facts

Writing is painting a picture with words for your audience to SEE what you are saying.

III. Conclusion

Do not regurgitate the introduction.

Perhaps explain how your subject affects others.

IV. Documentation•Use parenthetical documentation of sources in the text of your paper (MLA).•Your last page will be a works cited page.

Your final product will blossom into something wonderful if. . . .

You dig into your topicYou give solid examplesYou use good detail