7min7min

Define your house.Define your house. What does it look like?What does it look like? Where is it located?Where is it located? Who lives there?Who lives there? How does a typical day go at home?How does a typical day go at home?

Definition EssayDefinition Essay

Professor Minnis 2012Professor Minnis 2012

What Is a Definition Essay?What Is a Definition Essay?

A Definition essay provides an explanation A Definition essay provides an explanation of a general principle or idea by using a of a general principle or idea by using a number of well-chosen examples. number of well-chosen examples.

Definition is one of the most frequently Definition is one of the most frequently used methods in writing, especially when used methods in writing, especially when the writer wants to impart new or the writer wants to impart new or unfamiliar information.unfamiliar information.

Do not use the dictionary!!! This is your take!Do not use the dictionary!!! This is your take!

How to Write an Definition EssayHow to Write an Definition EssayA Definition essay involves the following development:A Definition essay involves the following development: Choose a general idea to illustrateChoose a general idea to illustrate::

Example: Example: Many of today’s drivers have dangerous habitsMany of today’s drivers have dangerous habits Teaching is a demanding profession.Teaching is a demanding profession. The best things in life are definitely not free.The best things in life are definitely not free.Use specific examples to illustrate the ideas.Use specific examples to illustrate the ideas.Example: Example: a car-give examples of when you have used the car, reliability and comfort.a car-give examples of when you have used the car, reliability and comfort.

Employ senses of sight, sound, smell, touch, or taste to enhance the Employ senses of sight, sound, smell, touch, or taste to enhance the vividness of examples;vividness of examples;

Use facts, anecdotes, and personal experiences for concrete details.Use facts, anecdotes, and personal experiences for concrete details.

IntroductionIntroduction1.1. Introduce topic-hookIntroduce topic-hook

2.2. Provide transition statementProvide transition statement

3.3. Thesis sentence provides the statement of what Thesis sentence provides the statement of what you will illustrate or define within the essay. you will illustrate or define within the essay.

Example: Example:

Today I will discuss my professional goals, how I am Today I will discuss my professional goals, how I am a team leader and the way I work as a team a team leader and the way I work as a team player. player.

Body

Body paragraph 11. Topic Sentence: Present the first supporting idea.2. Supporting Details: Give specific examples (one long example orthree short examples).3. Closing Remarks: Wrap up the whole paragraph.Body paragraph 21. Topic Sentence: Present the second supporting idea.2. Supporting Details: Give specific examples (one long example orthree short examples).3. Closing Remarks: Wrap up the whole paragraph.Body paragraph 31. Topic Sentence: Present the third supporting idea.2. Supporting Details: Give specific examples (one long example orthree short examples).3. Closing Remarks: Wrap up the whole paragraph.

Conclusion

Example essay in the Profile Chapter, pg Example essay in the Profile Chapter, pg 59-6159-61

1. Transition, In conclusion2.Restate the thesis statement.3.Emphasize the importance of the topic.

AssignmentAssignmentCreate a definition essay or job-application letter Create a definition essay or job-application letter

(page)(page)

Your topic can be from…Your topic can be from… Any of the topics in Ch5 ProfilesAny of the topics in Ch5 Profiles Additional Topics Additional Topics pages 76-77pages 76-77

Rough Draft Due Monday 2/25/13-We will edit the Rough Draft Due Monday 2/25/13-We will edit the rough draft during class on Monday, so you rough draft during class on Monday, so you must have it done!must have it done!

800-1000 words (1 ½ -2 pages)800-1000 words (1 ½ -2 pages)

Times NR, or Arial/12 font/double spaceTimes NR, or Arial/12 font/double space

ActivityActivity

Find a partner, go to page 76Find a partner, go to page 76 read the prompt for Q1, interview your read the prompt for Q1, interview your

partner, answer in a 2-3 paragraph partner, answer in a 2-3 paragraph response.response.

Make sure you put your partner name as Make sure you put your partner name as your title.your title.

You will both turn in your interviews before You will both turn in your interviews before class endsclass ends