Extended Definition Essay
 A definition essay defines a word, term, or concept in depth by providing a
personal commentary on what the specific subject means.
 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.
 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.
1. Setting up the Definition Essay
 Be sure to select a subject carefully.
 Since such essays are personal in nature, select your subject based on your
own need to clarify the term.
 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
or perhaps as a student, you want to define what the term discipline means
from your point of view.
2. Selecting a Term
 Select a term or subject that you know well enough so that you can provide
specific examples to illustrate your definition.
 For example, if you aren’t familiar with the term platonic love, don’t attempt
to define it in an extended essay. The subject of the essay must be familiar
enough to you that you can readily supply specific examples.
 Once you have selected a subject, outline your paper carefully before
writing.
3. Outlining
This will help you determine the specific points you want to cover in the definition
and point out where you need examples.
Here are some suggestions for how to outline a definition paper:
I. Introduction
 Use an attention grabber or hook.
 Be sure to clearly state your claim. This becomes your thesis statement and
should be the last sentence of your introduction. Include the traditional or
dictionary definition here to provide a basis for your personal definition.
 Possible idea: You may want to open with a contradictory image to what
would be your image to illustrate that definition.
II. Body: Evidence (Point one, two, three etc…)
1. The first part of your definition of the term.
2. Example to illustrate that point.
3. Analysis of how the example illustrates the point.
III. Conclusion: Warrant
A. Review of your definition’s main points
B. Closing attention-getter
1. Sometimes a reference back to the opening attention-getter is a
good way of unifying the entire essay.
2. You may want to close with an explanation of how your definition
has affected you.
Suggested Topics: Extended Definitions
Source:
http://grammar.about.com/od/developingessays/a/topicsdefinit07.htm
1. Peace of mind
2. Kindness
3. Sexism
4. Gumption
5. Racism
6. Sportsmanship
7. Honor
8. Modesty
9. Self-assurance
10. Humility
11. Dedication
12. Sensitivity
13. Trust
14. Respect
15. Ambition
16. Right to privacy
17. Generosity
18. Laziness
19. Charisma
20. Common sense
21. Team player
22. Maturity
23. Integrity
24. Healthy appetite
25. Frustration
26. Optimism
27. Sense of humor
28. Liberal
29. Conservative
30. Physical fitness
31. Feminism
32. A happy marriage
33. True friendship
34. Courage
35. Citizenship
36. Success
37. A good (or bad) coach
38. Intelligence
39. Personality
40. A good (or bad) roommate
41. Political correctness
42. Peer pressure
43. Leadership
44. Persistence
45. Responsibility
46. Human rights
47. Sophistication
48. Self-respect
49. Heroism
50. Thrift
51. Sloth
52. Vanity
53. Pride
54. Beauty
55. Greed
56. Virtue
57. Progress
58. A good (or bad) boss