Extended_definition_essay

《Extended_definition_essay》由会员分享，可在线阅读，更多相关《Extended_definition_essay（25页珍藏版）》请在装配图网上搜索。

1、lDefinition:lExamples:A definition essay may try and define.l*the meaning of an abstract concept,like love;l*the true meaning and importance of honesty;l*how the meaning of family goes deeper than just your blood relatives.lA definition essay attempts to define a specific term.It could try to pin do

2、wn the meaning of a specific word,or define an abstract concept.The analysis goes deeper than a simple dictionary definition;it should attempt to explain why the term is defined as such.It could define the term directly,giving no information other than the explanation of the term.Or,it could imply t

3、he 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.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 def

4、inition 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 understandingand experience to illuminate the words

5、 meaning.DEFINITION ESSAY-PLANNING GUIDE1.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 laymens terms or is it a specific/specialized audience that will know technical terms and will not require further

6、 definition?3.What is the purpose for the intended definition?lThree Steps to Effective Definitionl1.Tell readers what term is being defined.l2.Present clear and basic information.l3.Use facts,examples,or anecdotes that readers will understand.lChoosing a DefinitionlChoosing a definition is a key st

7、ep in writing a definition essay.You need to understand the term before you can define it for others.Read the dictionary,but dont just copy the definition.Explain the term briefly in your own words.Also,its important to limit your term before you start defining it.For example,you could write forever

8、 on the term love.To limit it,you would write about either romantic love,platonic love,or first love.DEFINITION THEME OUTLINE FORMATA.Introduction:Attention getter1.You may want to include the traditional or dictionary definition here to provide a basis for your personal definition.2.You may want to

9、 open with a contradictory image to illustrate what that term is not.B.INTRODUCTION:ThesisYour thesis should include the following information:A.The term to be defined.B.Sentence definition of the term.C.Reason(s)for giving a more detailed definition D.The kinds of additional information that will b

10、e used to extend the definition II.BODYThe body of an extended definition may use one or more of the patterns of organization to assist in a fuller explanation of the term.ProcessDescription Comparison/Contrast Classification Cause/Effect Narrative Anecdotal IllustrationlTypes of Definitions Traditi

11、onally Used in Definition EssayslAny combination of these traditional types of definitions can help clarify meaning for the reader of your definition essay:Analysis:Divide the subject into parts and define each part separately.Classification:According to dictionary definitions,what classes does the

12、subject belong to?Examples and Incidents:Narrate illustrations that can clarify a group,theory,or object.Origins and Causes:Where did the subject come from?What is the background information?What is the history of the subject?Results,Effects,and Uses:Discuss the consequences and uses of the subject.

13、lCompare and contrast:What similarities and/or differences can you identify when compared to something else lConcrete details:What are the physical characteristics?What is remarkable and unique?lCounterpoint:What is it NOT?What cant it do?What are its limitations?lFuture:What does the future hold fo

14、r the subject?Speculate on its effectiveness and duration into the future.l III.CONCLUSIONA.Review your definitions main pointsB.Closing attention getter1.Sometimes a reference back to the opening attention-getter is a good way of unifying the entire essay.2.You may want to close with an explanation

15、 of how your definition has affected you.3.It might end with a description,a comparison/contrast,a process analysis,etc.However,a comment about the term,or a summarizing statement regarding the paper itself,may often be included.What is the point of the paper?To see if you can write at length about

16、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

17、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 the philosophical landscape fit together-or a bit of both.But whichever way you go,you should aim for a clearly structured essay and some meaty

18、arguments.A definition essay defines a word,term,or concept in depth by providing a personal commentary on what the specific subject means.A.Most physical objects have a definition about which most people agree.1.Most people will agree on what trees,windows,computers,and pencils are in general.2.The

19、se objects all have specific physical properties that most people can agree on through the use of their physical senses.B.However,abstract terms,such as love,pain,or patriotism,have different meanings for different individuals since such terms play on peoples feelings more than their physical senses

20、.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.Setting up the definition essayA.Select a subject carefully.Since such essays are personal in nature,select your

21、 subject based on your own need to clarify the term.a.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.b.Perhaps as a student,you want to define what the term education means from your point of view.2.Sele

22、ct a term or subject that you know well enough so that you can provide specific examples to illustrate your definition.a.For example,if you arent familiar with the term platonic love,dont attempt to define it in an extended essay.b.The subject of the essay must be familiar enough to you that you can

23、 readily supply specific examples.3.Dont select a subject either too broad or too narrow to fit the parameters of your essay.a.For example,the word hat may be too narrow for you to define in an extended essay.b.On the other hand,the term love may be too broad or general since pinning it down to a si

24、ngle definition is very difficult.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 et

25、c.2.Begin by writing down a few simple statements about your word:Laughter is.3.Now record the words dictionary definition:4.Classify your word:Part of Speech:noun,verb,adjective,adverbGeneral Type:character trait,political term,value,religion,literary term,etc.Connotations:5.In a thesaurus,discover

26、 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,d

27、etermine a particular thesis or main idea about your word.lSample:(very brief)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

28、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 rece

29、nt 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 ove

30、rcome 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

31、 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

32、 dynamic force for the future.lWhat is This Thing Called Love?Sample Definition EssaylA 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 romant

33、ic 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 l

34、anguage,love is a derivative of the Latin word causemajoraproblemus which means Youre miserable when you got it and miserable when you dont.The word was created to explain the biological phenomenon that existed when certain individuals came into contact with each other and either remained together o

35、r 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.

36、Can we ever forget the face that launched a thousand ships?Federally expressing Van Goghs ear?The construction of Le Tour Eiffel?All of these were results of love and love lost.l(Negation)lStar-crossed lovers have stated that love is not hand nor foot nor any part belonging to a man.Matrimonial cere

37、monies 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-l

38、ined shelves of the spice rack.Love is not to be confused with adhesive tape.lInstead,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

39、-40 pop songs,summer movies,and greeting cards.lIn 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.

40、Houses have been built,burned,and banished because of love.l1.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 cre

41、am).l l2.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.l l3.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.