DEFINITION ESSAY ASSIGNMENT
For your next essay, select a word from the dictionary that has at
least five different meanings. Write the word and all the
definitions in the chart provided below and bring it to class next
time for discussion and approval. If it gets approved, write a 5paragraph essay where you explain the context in which three of
the word's definitions are used. Then give an example of your own
using the word you chose.
For example: the word “love” has the following definitions:
1. strong affection for someone arising out of kinship or
family ties
2. affection and tenderness felt by lovers
3. admiration
4. enthusiasm
5. devotion
6. A tennis score
Each of these definitions of love is somewhat different from the
others, even though the same word is used. We will choose the
ones that are the most different, such as 1, 2, and 5. Find a
synonym for each and give an example using the word “love.”
Then make a chart.
Love: Definitions
Synonyms
Examples
1. strong affection closeness
Mary loves her
for someone
brother.
arising out of
kinship or family
ties
2. admiration
respect
3. devotion
worship
Jules loves her
teacher.
My brother loves
going to church
every Sunday.
Then we start the essay as follows:
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Many words in the English language have multiple meanings
(general statement). One of these is "love" (focused statement).
According to Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, love
means "a strong affection for someone arising out of kinship or
family ties," "admiration," and "devotion" (definitions). The
context in which each of these definitions can be used will be
explained next (thesis). (ALTERNATIVE THESIS: Definitions,
synonyms, and examples will be provided.)
Second paragraph
One definition of the word "love" is strong attachment
because of familiar ties (Here you can use your Thesaurus to avoid
repeating the word "affection"). This means that two people who
are related feel affection towards each other. For example, Lisa
loves her parents.
The next step is to continue explaining each of your definitions and
providing an example. Then you write a conclusion such as:
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FIFTH PARAGRAPH
The word "Love" can be used in different contexts. Either as
strong affection among relatives or lovers, respect, or devotion
towards one's work or to God, "love" is one of those words that has
many meanings.
HW: Read the chapter in your book pertaining to definition.
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