Definition Essay Outline
Definition Essay
I. A definition essay defines a word, term, or concept in depth by providing a personal commentary on what the specific subject means. A. Most physical objects have a definition about which most people agree. 1. Most people will agree on what trees, windows, computers, and pencils are in general. 2. These objects all have specific physical properties that most people can agree on through the use of their physical senses. B. However, abstract terms, such as love, pain, or patriotism, have different meanings for different individuals since such terms play on people’s feelings more than their physical senses. C. The definition essay provides a personal, extended definition of such terms by linking or comparing the term to a previous definition and by illustrating how that term should be applied.
II. Setting up the definition essay A. Select a subject carefully. 1. Since such essays are personal in nature, select your subject based on your own need to clarify the term. a. For example, if you feel that the word marriage should be defined in a limited manner, that term would make a good subject for a definition essay. b. Perhaps as a parent, you want to define what the term …show more content…
At home, cars and homes display solid yellow or red, white, and blue ribbons that call for Americans to "Support Our Troops." It is patriotic for Americans to support their daughters and sons fighting in a war, but this patriotism does not mean that Americans must blindly support the decision to go to war. Being patriotic means that Americans must do the opposite: they must question their government. Questioning the government, voting, and respecting the rights of others are what make true patriots in a democratic society; blind following of one's government creates
I. A definition essay defines a word, term, or concept in depth by providing a personal commentary on what the specific subject means. A. Most physical objects have a definition about which most people agree. 1. Most people will agree on what trees, windows, computers, and pencils are in general. 2. These objects all have specific physical properties that most people can agree on through the use of their physical senses. B. However, abstract terms, such as love, pain, or patriotism, have different meanings for different individuals since such terms play on people’s feelings more than their physical senses. C. The definition essay provides a personal, extended definition of such terms by linking or comparing the term to a previous definition and by illustrating how that term should be applied.
II. Setting up the definition essay A. Select a subject carefully. 1. Since such essays are personal in nature, select your subject based on your own need to clarify the term. a. For example, if you feel that the word marriage should be defined in a limited manner, that term would make a good subject for a definition essay. b. Perhaps as a parent, you want to define what the term …show more content…
At home, cars and homes display solid yellow or red, white, and blue ribbons that call for Americans to "Support Our Troops." It is patriotic for Americans to support their daughters and sons fighting in a war, but this patriotism does not mean that Americans must blindly support the decision to go to war. Being patriotic means that Americans must do the opposite: they must question their government. Questioning the government, voting, and respecting the rights of others are what make true patriots in a democratic society; blind following of one's government creates