Writing the Definition Essay

The Definition Essay

Often students are asked by instructors to define terms that either relate a specific subject or field. These definitions come in a variety of shapes, designs, and purposes. The writers will offer an expanded definition that of a specific term that is well thought out and one that reflects the subject or field of study. Definitions essays do no rely on Webster's Dictionary or any other standard dictionary, nor do these definitions rely on Wikipedia. Student writers might consult dictionaries or encyclopedias (especially ones that are subject specific--biology, for example--); instead they will understand the prompt for writing assignment and write an essay that addresses the instructions for the assignment. Jean Wyrick of CSU gives the guidelines for writing definition in her text for college writers, Steps to Writing Well:

How can a definition be used?

  1. To clarify an abstract term such as "loyalty," 'courage," or "honesty." In this instance the writer will define what the term may mean on a personal level.
  2. To offer a personal interpretation or explanation to clarify the meaning of a after, for example "Going Green."
  3. To explain a new term used in pop culture: pod cast, phishing, blog.
  4. To explain terminology or jargon unique to a specific area of study: mitosis, solarization, wind power
  5. To explain terminology unique to a specific group or audience, such as Medicare Plan B to a group of senior citizens
  6. To explain or clarify historical terms or or events: the Boxer Rebellion, the Age of Aquarius

Four Elements to Developing an Essay of Definition:

  1. Know your purpose for the essay (see the 6 ways definition can be used)
    1. define terms clearly and objectively
    2. goal for essay: to convince the reader that your definition or point of view is best, that your audience understands and accepts your definition
  2. Give readers a reason to read your essay: (often done in the introduction
    1. introduce your term or topic by first explaining what it is not: Going Green does not mean that you will dress like Kermit the Frog. Include misunderstandings and misuses of the term.
    2. prepare the reader to accept your definition
  3. Keep audience in mind to anticipate and avoid problems of clarity:
    1. know who your audience is
    2. know what your audience already believes or understands about the field of study or subject
    3. use terminology in your definition that your audience will understand
  4. Use multiple strategies to clarify or develop your definition
    1. description or characteristics
    2. give examples
    3. compare/contrast
    4. offer explanation
    5. use synonyms
    6. use cause/effect
    7. identify terms or places
    8. associate term with easily recognizable people, places, or thing: analogies, similes, metaphors
  5. Avoid these Pitfalls of definition
    1. a topic that is too broad or general
    2. avoid a standard dictionary or Wikipedia definition
    3. avoid vague generalizations
      1. be specific
      2. use picturesque language (write in active voice)
    4. avoid a circular definition: a poet is one who writes poetry.

In summary use clear specific language; use analogy, metaphor, simile, provide many examples, explain, describe, compare, contrast, have a specific audience in mind

Suggestions to Preparing for an Essay Exam

  1. Read the required course material
  2. Attend class and take good notes
  3. Participate in class discussion
  4. Participate in group study sessions (organize a study group if there is not one)
  5. Write practice essay questions and write practice essays. Have a friend, upper classman who has already taken the course, or instructor read the practice essay)
  6. Practice spaced repition: review notes and readings on a regular schedule so that you don't have to cram at the last minutes, so that you have learned, remembered, and retained difficult information
  7. Ask instructors to explain what you do not understand, either in class or in a conference. Avoid email if the question is lengthy or requires great explanation

 

Suggestions for Taking an Essay Exam: What to do with test in hand

  1. Read the question or prompt and follow instructions
  2. Understand the question. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification
  3. formulate a strategy for answering the question: this requires you to do some thinking before writing.
  4. Develop a thesis and a brief outline
  5. Present 3 examples, 3 main points, 3 reasons
  6. Be sure to include terminology or vocabulary specific to subject or test question
  7. Write clean, clear, direct sentences (active voice helps)
  8. Decide on a timetable for writing the essay:
    1. so many minutes for planning
    2. so many minutes for writing
    3. so many minutes for proofreading
    4. Carefully write each sentence so that you do not have to do much rewriting or editing
  9. Write a thesis that is an answer to the question or that directly reflects the prompt.

Why Do Instructors give Essay Exams?

  1. So that students understand concepts that provide the basis for the course
  2. So that students use those concepts to interpret specific material
  3. So that students can make connections between concepts
  4. So that students can learn and practice critical analysis skills