Chapter 16: Definition

CHAPTER 16: DEFINITION

This chapter shows you how to write a definition essay. Your goal is to choose a word or phrase, explore its meaning and help readers understand the term.

Keys to success

· Know your purpose. Entertain, inform, explain, or persuade.

· Choose appropriate writing strategies that will help you accomplish your purpose.

· Present fresh information using details, denotations, and connotations.

Topics to consider

· Words that: are related to sports or art, in the news, overused, unused, abused, make you chuckle, frown, or fret, do or do not describe you.

Guidelines for writing a definition essay.

1. Select a topic.

2. Identify what you know. Start by free writing; explore your personal and academic connection to the word.

3. Gather information. Look for words history, usage, grammatical forms, and word etymology. Do a general word search using a dictionary, and reference books. List antonyms and synonyms.

4. Compress what you know. Write a formal one- sentence definition.

5. Get organized. Organize information, identify details, and fill out a graphic organizer.

6. Draft the essay.

a. Opening: get attention and introduce term.

b. Middle: precise meaning, build definition, common definition, etymology, and link paragraphs.

c. Closing: review main point.

7. Get feedback. Peer reviewer checks for engaging opening, clarity, continuity, completeness, and fitting closing.

8. Revise and edit. Do additional research if necessary. Check for clear sentences, correct quotations, specific appropriate words, correct grammar, spelling, usage, and punctuation.

9. Publish essay.