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The Definition Essay

The Definition Essay. d ef- 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. 2. A determining of outline, extent, or limits. . Why write a definition essay?.

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The Definition Essay

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  1. The Definition Essay 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. 2. A determining of outline, extent, or limits.

  2. Why write a definition essay? • While some terms have definite concrete meaning, others do not • Abstract terms are defined through a person’s point of view • Objective: • You will create a definition essay in which you clearly define a word based on your perception of the world.

  3. Your word must… • Have a complex meaning • Be disputable (could mean different things to different people • Goal: • The goal of this paper is to completely define an abstract term for your reader through analysis and the inclusion of examples.

  4. Types of Examples Analysis: Divide word into parts and define each part separately Classification: According to the dictionary, what classes does the subject belong to? Comparison: The unfamiliar may be defined by showing its likeness to the familiar or its difference from it

  5. Types of Examples Details: What are the physical characteristics, traditional thoughts, and other distinguishing attributes that describe the subject? Examples and Incidents: Narrate and incident that can clarify your subject. Negation: Mention what it is not in order to clear the ground for what your subject is.

  6. Types of Examples 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.

  7. Guidelines • At least 1 full page typed (MLA Formatting) • Include at least three examples included in this presentation

  8. What’s the point? To see if you can write at length about some topic, in afocused and sustainedway. 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. Aim for a clearly structured essay with meaty arguments.

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