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. You will use research and integrate textual evidence from sources to support your overall claim.
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). 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 connotations.
POSSIBLE ORGANIZATIONAL APPROACH:
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.
FORMAT:
Your final draft should be 3-4 pages—not including your works cited page (double-spaced, TNR font, 1” margins). When citing your outside source(s), follow MLA format.
GRADING CRITERIA:
Your essay should
(1) articulate a clear definition drawn from your own analysis of the denotation and connotation of your word;
(2) address and influence a specific audience;
(3) integrate textual evidence from researched material and/or class readings/videos, etc.;
(4) discuss the significance of your claims;
(5) support your claims with examples, details, and reasoning;
(6) use research that is credible, appropriate, and properly cited following MLA guidelines;
(7) demonstrate the potential to influence your audience toward your purpose
