Write a Definition Essay

Write your own definition essay on one of the following topics or on a topic of your own choice. Use DEFINITION AT A GLANCE as a basic organizer (“Organization in Definition”), and follow the Writing Guide: Definition checklist as you write and revise.

COLLEGE
  • A term or concept from another course you have taken
  • Cheating
WORK
  • Any term you use at work
  • A model employee
EVERYDAY LIFE
  • Discrimination
  • Road rage

WRITING GUIDE: DEFINITION

STEPS IN DEFINITION HOW TO DO THE STEPS
Focus.
  • Think about the term you are going to define and how to get your readers to understand the term as you do.
Explore your topic. See Chapter 2.
  • Prewrite to get possible definitions and examples that will explain the definition.
Write a thesis statement. image See Chapter 3.
  • Include the term or concept you are defining and a basic definition of it.
Support your thesis. See Chapter 3.
  • Choose examples of the definition and details about the examples that will show your reader how you “see” the term.
Write a draft. See Chapter 4.
  • Arrange your examples.
  • Write topic sentences for each example and paragraphs that give details about them.
Revise your draft. See Chapter 4.
  • Make sure the examples explain your definition.
  • Think about what other details your readers might need to understand your definition.
  • Add transitions.
  • Improve your introduction, thesis, and conclusion.
Edit your revised draft. See Chapters 16 through 18.
  • Correct errors in grammar, spelling, word use, and punctuation.
Evaluate your writing.
  • Does it have the Four Basics of Good Definition (see “Understand What Definition Is”)?
  • Is this the best I can do?