How To Write A Definition Essay

Описание: THE DEFINITION ESSAY
A definition essay is meant to describe a term, idea or concept. In your introduction you will give the dictionary definition of the word or term, then you provide an extended definition in the essay. There are many techniques you can use to extend a definition, in a definition essay.

Analysis: Break the term up into parts and define each part.

Classification: Define and discuss the classes to which the term belongs.

Comparison: Show similarities and differences of the term

Details: Describe characteristics or distinguishing features of the term.

Negation: Explain what the term is not.

In your definition essay, you are providing a personal opinion, therefore, most definition essays are persuasive in nature.

Follow these steps to write your definition essay.

STEP 1: Forming your thesis:

a) Choose a topic (What do you want to define?)

For example: Freedom: This essay is for a general audience.
The purpose is to show similarities and differences of the term, while explaining the rationale for your definition.

b) Focus your topic: What freedom means to me

c) Collect relevant information either through brainstorming and/or research based on the following headings.

HEADINGS and Brainstorm

Choose a term – Freedom
Dictionary Definition - Capture definitions from different dictionaries
Different uses of word - Freedom from perspective of a soldier, an elderly person and a teenager
Contrasts and/or similarities of meaning - Provide contrasting examples of how people define the word differently


d) Frame the topic as a question: As a teenager, how is my definition of freedom, different from that of others?
e) Answer your question. The answer is your thesis.

Because of their different perspectives, a soldier may associate freedom with patriotism, an elderly person if healthy may see it as independence while a teenager may view freedom as a blank check to do what he or she wants.


Evaluate your thesis:

What key words or phrases describe your topic area?
Have you placed those key words into your thesis?

Your thesis should fulfill the following characteristics.
1. It states your purpose for writing this essay.
2. It is a clear statement about your topic, and it breaks the topic into points.
3. It lists those specific points in the order in which you will discuss them.
4. It comes somewhere in the introductory paragraph (usually at the end).


STEP 2: Outline your essay
Ensure that you have divided your definition essay into at least THREE major areas. Each major area must correspond to a paragraph that elaborates the description.

Introduction: Begin with a hook, followed by dictionary definitions and end with a thesis.

First supporting paragraph: Create a topic sentence using the first key word. Use clear examples and strong details to illustrate your point.

Second supporting paragraph: Create a topic sentence using the second key word. Explain another facet of the definition stated in the thesis.

Third supporting paragraph: Create a topic sentence using the third key word or phrase. Give another example of how others defined the word differently.


Concluding paragraph: Pull together all the different elements of your definition to prove your thesis.

STEP 3: Write a draft of your essay.
You should have at least five paragraphs.


STEP 4: Revising / Editing:
Ask Yourself?
• Have I provided a dictionary definition of the word?
• Have I provided examples of different uses of the word?
• Have I captured the definition from different backgrounds, ages and/or experiences?
• Have I used transitions to link sentences and paragraphs?
Some useful transitions for definition essays are: For example, additionally, on the other hand, furthermore, moreover, then, therefore.
• Is my grammar accurate?
• Have I ensured that my spelling is correct?