DEFINITION ESSAYWhat is definition?Words must have accepted definitions for effective communication, but it’s not really that simple because definitions may mean different things to different people. For example, when does life begin?

Extended definition explores a subject, allowing the writer to apply personal application to a commonly accepted meaning.

Topics like gun control, right to privacy, junk food, or anxiety may have a variety of definitions.

You may define a concept (energy), an object (the microchip), a type of person (a hypocrite), a place (the desert), a phenomenon (the rise in volunteerism), a controversial issue (euthanasia).

Strategies

Stay focused on the purpose, audience, and tone.

Formulate an effective definition Definition by negation Clarify the meaning, not obscure it Avoid circular meanings

Develop the extended definition Examples Compare and contrast Classify Process- analysis Narration Examples

Write an effective introduction Explain the origin of the word Definition by negation Stipulative definition

Puts special restrictions on a term “Strictly defined, a mall refers to a one or two story

enclosed building containing a variety of retail shops and at least two large anchor stores. Highway strip shopping centers cannot be considered true malls.”

Revising and proofing your paper Is your term clearly defined? Have you avoided circular meanings? Which paragraphs do you need to

improve Have you checked grammar,

punctuation, spelling? Is your tone consistent with your

purpose and audience? Have you removed phrased like “is

when” and “according to the dictionary”?