Essay of Definition
Honors English 12
Definition Essay
 In this essay, you will work to define a specific trait or idea using
examples from Night and Unbroken. You will need to identify and
illustrate the essential characteristics of the word you've selected.
 You need to begin by identifying your subject, assigning it to a general
class, and specifying distinguishing characteristics.
 Let’s say you choose the word “despair.” Try filling in the template on
page 381:
 In general, despair can be defined as a kind of ______
 What specifically distinguishes despair from others in this category is
____________.
 Despair is usually ___________; but it can also be _______, or even _______.
Etc…
Extending your definition
 You may want to begin by exploring different dictionary definitions and the
etymology of the word, as well as traditional or cultural usage.
 It might be worthwhile to discuss what the term meant to you before you
thought about it more deeply. Transition into how the characters’
experiences gave you a much deeper understanding.
 Next, elaborate on the idea by providing multiple examples. This is where
your examples from the books will be vital. Make sure you’re using specific,
quoted excerpts (with MLA citations). You should have four to five good
examples from each work.
 You might want to flesh out your definition by using comparison/contrast—
how is this word the same as or different than a similar word? How did
Louie’s and Elie’s experience compare, and how did their reactions to
experiences further your understanding of the term?
Additional methods
 Another good strategy for defining is explaining what the term is NOT
(negation).
 Other useful strategies are description, process analysis, narrative, and
cause and effect. You should be able to employ these strategies as you
pull examples from the literature.
 For example, if you’re defining “despair,” look for examples that DESCRIBE
Louie’s or Elie’s feelings; break down the PROCESS that occurred either to
the men or within them (think “steps”); as you relate each man’s
experiences, you will be relating a NARRATIVE of their experiences.
 CAUSE and EFFECT can also be helpful. While there were many specific
cruelties each had to endure, what was the tipping point for each man,
leading him to feel the effect of despair?
Definition Essay
 You will want to be sure to choose an abstract word
with complex meaning. It should also be a word
that holds different meanings for different people.
 Try to use roughly equal examples from each work.
 Be sure you are working your quoted material in
smoothly! Remember that a quoted sentence can’t
be “dropped” into a paragraph to stand alone. You
must introduce and elaborate on each.
Definition Essay
Make sure that you format your essay
according to MLA specifications (12 pt.
Times New Roman font, double-spaced,
1” margins) and cite all examples from the
books in MLA format. Include a works
cited page that includes both books plus
any other outside sources (including
dictionaries).
Definition Essay
You may write in either the first
person or third person, whichever
seems appropriate. Avoid using the
second-person pronoun. Your essay
should be a minimum of three full
pages in length (no more than five
pages, please!).
We’ll have two class periods to work on
the essays: Thurs., Sept. 10 and Friday,
Sept. 11.
Workshop Date: Monday, Sept. 14 (Have
a full, printed, rough draft)
Due Date: Sept. 16 (Due at the beginning
of class!)