What is a Definition Essay?
A definition essay is writing that explains what a term means. Some terms have definite, concrete meanings, such as glass, book, or tree. Terms such as honesty, honor, or love are abstract and depend more on a person's point of view.
Three Steps to Effective Definition
1. Tell readers what term is being defined.
2. Present clear and basic information.
3. 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. Explain the term briefly in your own words. Also, 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," or "first love."
Thesis Statement of a Definition Essay
The thesis statement usually identifies the term being defined and provides a brief, basic definition.
Ex: Assertiveness is standing up for your rights.
How to Write an Effective Definition
1. Create a definition. There are several ways to define a term. Here are a few options:
~ Define by function. Explain what something does or how something works.
~ Define by structure. Tell how something is organized or put together.
~ Define by analysis. Compare the term to other members of its class and then illustrate the differences. These differences are special characteristics that make the term stand out. For example, compare a Siberian husky to other dogs, such as lap dogs, mutts, or sporting dogs.
Ex: A Siberian husky is a dog reputed for its ability to tolerate cold, its distinctive features, and its keen strength and stamina.
~ Define by what the term does not mean. This distinction can sometimes clarify a definition and help a reader to better understand it.
2. Use understandable facts, examples, or anecdotes. Select facts, examples, or anecdotes to fully explain your definition. Ask yourself, "Which examples will best help readers understand the term? What examples would most appeal to my readers? Will a brief story reveal the term's meaning?" Do not use any examples that will not support the definition.
Remember: A definition essay is writing that explains what a term means. When writing a definition essay, remember to tell readers what term is being defined, to present a clear and basic definition, and to use facts, examples, or anecdotes that readers will understand.
Examples of popular definition essay topics:
Kindness
Sense of Humor
Love
Whatever essay topic you choose, you should be interested in the subject and familiar with it. It would be great if you had your personal experience in the matter you are going to define.
Now let's try making an outline of definition essay. Follow tge step below:
1. Choose a topic:
Eternal Love
Friendship
Good Teacher
Kindness
Dictator
2. Then write your ideas into outline following the organization below:
Title
I. (Introductory paragraph tells about general definition of the topic)
Thesis statement: ________________________
II. (Body paragraph 1 may tell facts supporting how the topic is defined)
Topic sentence: __________________________
III. (Body paragraph 2 may tell examples/anecdotes supporting how the topic is defined)
Topic sentence: __________________________
IV. Concluding paragraph
It concludes/ summarizes the overall ideas from the previous paragraphs.
_____________________________________________
3. Post your outline in the comment box by Tuesday, June 28, 2016. You are prohibitted to write you essay before the outline approved.
Example of Essay Outline:
Pandu Suyekti Syamsu
20141111015
True Love
I. Introductory Paragraph
Thesis Statement: True love is a love that can’t be expressed with words, but it can just be sensed by our feeling in our heart.
II. Body Paragraph I
Supporting Fact: You will feel to have to do something to your parents or someone closed with you when they need help.
III. Body Paragraph II
Supporting example: When someone who I had ever liked has little problem, I had to help her without thinking at first, although I know that I will get nothing after I have helped her.
IV. Conclusion
To summarize, True love is a love that can only be expressed by our feeling without words. You need courage to reach it because true love is never failed.
Now let's try making an outline of definition essay. Follow tge step below:
1. Choose a topic:
Eternal Love
Friendship
Good Teacher
Kindness
Dictator
2. Then write your ideas into outline following the organization below:
Title
I. (Introductory paragraph tells about general definition of the topic)
Thesis statement: ________________________
II. (Body paragraph 1 may tell facts supporting how the topic is defined)
Topic sentence: __________________________
III. (Body paragraph 2 may tell examples/anecdotes supporting how the topic is defined)
Topic sentence: __________________________
IV. Concluding paragraph
It concludes/ summarizes the overall ideas from the previous paragraphs.
_____________________________________________
3. Post your outline in the comment box by Tuesday, June 28, 2016. You are prohibitted to write you essay before the outline approved.
Example of Essay Outline:
Pandu Suyekti Syamsu
20141111015
True Love
I. Introductory Paragraph
Thesis Statement: True love is a love that can’t be expressed with words, but it can just be sensed by our feeling in our heart.
II. Body Paragraph I
Supporting Fact: You will feel to have to do something to your parents or someone closed with you when they need help.
III. Body Paragraph II
Supporting example: When someone who I had ever liked has little problem, I had to help her without thinking at first, although I know that I will get nothing after I have helped her.
IV. Conclusion
To summarize, True love is a love that can only be expressed by our feeling without words. You need courage to reach it because true love is never failed.
