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Definition Essay Fundamentals
The key to a successful definition essay begins with a strong introduction.
What information must your definition essay introductions include?
Components from Definition Rubric:
 entices the reader
 provides necessary background/rhetorical situation/cultural context
 exigence
 suggests purpose/thesis
Definition Introduction Draft
Today’s Food Culture
Since the beginning of time, people have been interested in food. However, throughout
the years, our relationship with food has changed. In today’s society, new cultural practices and
technology have revolutionized our culinary habits; and as a result, America is now a land of
“foodies.” Foodies are more than individuals who are interested in food, cooking, and dining out.
Foodies are highly ambitious diners and educated gastronomists. They are gourmet home cooks
who invest their time and their money in all things food-related.
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Quality of first sentence: Is it gripping and interesting?
Does this paragraph provide specific details about the rhetorical situation (the cultural,
social, or economic climate today)?
Does it show exigence? (the “so what? who cares?” angle) If so, how?
Does it identify a term/word/concept for definition?
Does it offer definition argument (thesis statement)? If so, what is it?
What are the criteria for definition? (the parts of the definition)
Is this the best order to arrange these criteria? Why or Why not?
Does it have a strong ending?
What would you add to this paragraph? How would you revise it to make it stronger?
Does it have a strong, creative title that fits the purpose (to define)?
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Definition Introduction Revision
Foodies: You Are What You Eat
The days of Hamburger Helper as the standard for the all-American, home-cooked dinner
are long gone. Today, if we are curious about what to do with the pound of ground beef in the
fridge, we don’t need a box of pasta and packet of powdered mix to create a flavorful meal. We
visit food.com or Pinterest to find a recipe that sounds appetizing, or we use one of the many
meal-builder apps on our smartphones. Or, if we are feeling ambitious, we might try to recreate
the burger that we saw on Master Chef, or Top Chef, or Chopped. Such cookery practices are
common in many American households today because technology and the media have changed
the way we approach, cook, eat, and think about food. We no longer need to consult the wellknown Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook (in hard copy? Are you kidding me?) for inspiration
in the kitchen. In fact, America’s culinary fascination is so intense that we have coined a term for
the food-centric individuals who have proven that they are a bit more food-obsessed than the
average American who is mildly interested in food, cooking, and dining out. In contrast,
“foodies,” as they are fittingly called, are highly educated gastronomists. They are gourmet home
cooks who invest their time and their money in all things food-related. Consequently, foodies are
also extremely ambitious diners. Foodies do not “eat to live” nor do they “live to eat” as the
sayings go. The foodie immerses himself in culture of culinary delight, and that culture defines
him.
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Quality of first sentence: Is it gripping and interesting?
Does this paragraph provide specific details about the rhetorical situation (the cultural,
social, or economic climate today)?
Does it show exigence? (the “so what? who cares?” angle) If so, how?
Does it identify a term/word/concept for definition?
Does it offer definition argument (thesis statement)? If so, what is it?
What are the criteria for definition? (the parts of the definition)
Is this the best order to arrange these criteria? Why or Why not?
Does it have a strong ending?
What would you add to this paragraph? How would you revise it to make it stronger?
Does it have a strong, creative title that fits the purpose (to define)?
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Thesis Statements for Definition Essays (Description on page 145 CEL)
The thesis statement for this definition argument explains how particular parts or qualities make
up a concept (1). Prior to the thesis statement, the introduction also shows a quality that
distinguishes one concept from another (foodies vs. typical Americans who are merely interested
in food) (2).
A definition thesis should complicate and enrich the common way of thinking about X (your
topic, concept, idea, etc.). It should NOT restate what people normally say or assume about the
concept. The thesis statement also sets up a road map for the entire essay—it designates the
stops and the route that readers expect to follow throughout this definition journey.
Thinking about structure/following the road map and creating the journey
What do I write after the introduction?
Option 1: Background Information Paragraph
Sometimes, if a term or concept is unfamiliar to your audience, you may need to include a
paragraph of background information following the introduction. This is not necessary in all
definition essays, and often writers are able to include enough of this background information in
their introductory paragraph. However, if you feel that the reader needs more information about
your concept and/or its significance or context, include this in a solid paragraph following the
introduction. If you are unsure about whether or not to include this paragraph, discuss this with
me and/or with your peer review partner.
Option 2 (more common): Road map stop #1 (thesis claim 1)
The revised introduction of this essay on foodies covers all the basics; thus, there is no need for a
background information paragraph. So, where do we start? What should we focus on in the first
body paragraph following the introduction?
Requirements for each body paragraph (after optional background paragraph)
 It should focus on making a definition argument
 It should include a topic sentence (CWH 64-65) that identifies definition claim from
thesis statement (follow the road map!)
 It should be unified around 1 main idea—everything in the paragraph should develop the
single definition claim that you provide in your topic sentence (CWH 64-66).
 It should be coherent. This means that all its sentences clearly relate to one another
(Arrangement and Transitions CWH 66-71).
 It should be well-developed. This means that it includes all the supporting information
that readers need to understand and accept its main idea (CWH 71-77).
What rhetorical tools do I use to make sure each of my body paragraphs are well-developed and
that my main idea is logically supported?
CEL pages 146-147
 Examples
 Contrary Examples
 Scenarios
 Allusions
It’s never enough to just list or mention examples though. A powerful and convincing
strategy is to explain in detail how an example or allusion reveals something relevant—how it
illustrates and validates your definition claim. You should always be analyzing your support by
relating it back to the main definition claim that you are attempting to develop in that paragraph.
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Below is a draft of the first body paragraph in this essay. Carefully read it and provide comments
based on ALL the paragraph conventions that we just discussed. Does it meet all the necessary
requirements to function as a strong body paragraph in this definition argument essay?
Body Paragraph 1 Draft
Gastronomy is an all-encompassing term that refers to the study of food and culture.
Gastronomists are extremely interested in the art and laws that regulate all food-related processes
such as eating, preparing, tasting, and smelling food. Foodies dedicate a lot of time and effort to
their culinary education. Most Americans possess a variety of general knowledge about food
preparation and cooking techniques. Foodies educate themselves about culinary processes and
techniques. The culinary education of the average American usually consists of learning recipes
and reading cookbooks written by chefs like Rachael Ray and Bobby Flay. Foodies buys elite
cooking manuals like Modernist Cuisine. These are expensive cookbooks, but foodies do not
mind investing their money in such things such as cook books, kitchen gadgets, or meals at fancy
restaurants. Foodies must have the best meals when they are dining at home or at a restaurant, and
they must also have the best equipment in their kitchens.
What is missing? What should we add? What needs improvement?
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Revised Body Paragraph 1
Gastronomy is an all-encompassing term that refers to the study of food and culture; thus,
gastronomists are extremely interested in the art and laws that regulate all food-related processes such as
eating, preparing, tasting, and smelling food. Traditionally, it is well-trained chefs who identify themselves
as gastronomists, and although foodies are typically not professionally trained or formally educated in the
arts of the gourmet, they certainly dedicate a lot of time and effort to their culinary education. Thanks to the
wealth of food knowledge around us, most Americans possess a variety of general knowledge about food
preparation and cooking techniques; however, the foodie is sure to position himself on a much higher
culinary plane (or should I say, plate) when it comes to his culinary education. The education of the novice
home cook usually consists of learning recipes and reading cookbooks written by over-popularized and
over-publicized mainstream food icons, and although I’m sure that Rachael Ray and Bobbie Flay are able
to satisfy the instructional needs of their fans, it is highly doubtful that foodies would ever admit to reading
the cookbooks of such beloved American food celebrities, and more so, foodies would certainly never be so
deluded to think that they could impress their dinner party guests with a 4.5-star, 30-minute prep Crockpot
mash up of sorts. Instead, the foodie spends his nights gazing at the seductive photographs and reading the
intricate history of culinary science in the six-volume foodie bible, Modernist Cuisine. This 2,438-page
encyclopedic cookbook targets both professional chefs and ambitious home cooks, and aside from
educating its readers about how to “go beyond a recipe and truly innovate” in the kitchen, it also reiterates
the central lecture of foodie culture—that without such elite educational experiences, there would be no
next-level dishes—no “spherical ravioli of tea with lemon ice cube” (volume 1) or “freeze-dried carrot
foam” (volume 4) or “passion fruit marshmallow with chorizo powder (volume 4)—there would only be
endless variations of ‘cream of whatever’ chicken casseroles and boring sandwiches refashioned by
mainstream trends like avocados or Sriracha. Foodies definitely love avocados and Sriracha, but they were
self-educated as to their benefits and uses well before their fellow consumers were introduced to these
trendy condiments at Subway.
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It should focus on making a definition argument
It should include a topic sentence (CWH 64-65) that identifies definition claim from thesis
statement (follow the road map!)
It should be unified, coherent, well-developed.
It should use rhetorical tools to analyze specific examples and show how they support the main
definition claim in that paragraph.
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Back to the road map:
In contrast, “foodies,” as they are fittingly called, are highly educated gastronomists. They are
gourmet home cooks who invest their time and their money in all things food-related.
Consequently, foodies are also extremely ambitious diners.
Body Paragraph 2: Topic Sentence? Content? Ideas for support?
What if I have too much to say here?
Body Paragraph 3: Topic Sentence? Content? Ideas for support?
How should I conclude? (CEL page 149)
Most of us write to discover, and it is at the end where we discover our most interesting ideas.
Thus our conclusions will be the richest, most complex part of our paper because that is where we
are prepared to do our richest and most complex thinking.
Even if you find yourself reaching a new level of consciousness by the end of the paper, you still
want to make sure that your conclusion coheres with your introduction and with the definition
argument that you have developed.
Don’t use the conclusion to provide a summary or recap of the essay. Instead you want to move
beyond and create a lasting impression. You can accomplish this in a few different ways.
1. If you introduced an interesting thread/example/scenario in the introduction, creatively
return to this thread at the end. Come full circle and shed new light on the example you
offered in the introduction.
2. Focus on public resonance—on the greater, public significance of your definition—on
why it’s important—on what’s at stake—on the larger issue (like Benlow does in
Consumerism).
3. Another way of thinking about your conclusion is to try to say what further questions
your paper raises—what would you like to know more about, what puzzle remains—
better yet, what bigger puzzle do you now have?
4. Take your definition to the next level—suggest a new phrase or word that should replace
the current one (like in the Homeschooling example)
Traditional schools and teachers will always be needed because this method of learning
works for some students. But, for others–many others–a more self-directed style of learning will
become more popular. Perhaps then, “homeschooling” is a misnomer as it doesn’t fully
encompass our approach to learning. “Self-directed learning” seems to be a more appropriate
label in that it better describes a boundless educational path—a style that grants us the ability to
learn in any way or place or time that makes sense for us whether it be in a traditional classroom,
online, in museums or apprenticing in a field of personal interest. Self-directed learning is what
led the Wright brothers to perfect the engines needed to lift their plane. Self-directed learning also
led Edison to find just the right combination of glass bulbs and filaments to make his light bulbs
efficient and useable. Who knows what the next self-directed learners will accomplish if they are
given the opportunity to “direct” themselves beyond the classroom?
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5. Directly reflect on the process of definition itself (like in the Waitress example)
That was many years ago, and now, the only apron I wear is the vintage one that
is hanging on the hook in my kitchen. Yet, every now and again, I think about how waitressing
wasn’t that bad, how, if I had to, I could pick it up again without a problem. And although I’m out
of “restaurant shape” as we used to say to one another after a week off, I’m pretty sure that I
could logistically handle the job. I also like to think that if I were to find myself in my waitressing
shoes again, my mentality would be much different. I would like to think that I’d be less
concerned about my image, about what other people thought or didn’t think about me and more
concerned with the reason why I was experiencing such self-doubt in the first place. I’d be more
careful to use the word waitress for what it really is: a job.
6. Or, if the definition is more personally-motivated, reflect on personal change (like in the
Boredom example)
The best way to escape boredom is to never get locked up in the first place. If my friends
cannot provide a getaway vehicle, I must find one myself. Instead of allowing boredom to
trap me, I need to find something to help me run from its walls. Instead of waiting for
boredom to come to me, I could hop on my bike and ride until I am lost. I must learn to
enjoy myself and the people around me more if I wish to never become a repeat offender.
With the hopes of one day escaping my boredom and never returning, I write this paper from
my lonely cell, and as I busy myself with this purpose, I imagine the prison to be less secure,
less fortified, less real.
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Definition Essay Basic Outline*
I. Introduction (Paragraph 1)
A. Attention getter
1. You may want to include the traditional or stereotypical definition here to provide a
basis for your personal definition.
2. You may want to open with a contradictory image to what would be your image to
illustrate that definition.
3. Exigency: What is motivating you to write this definition? Enter the conversation.
Why does this term need to be redefined?
B. Thesis: State how you define the term. If you can write the definition using specific
points, you will find the definition easier to follow when writing the paper. Your thesis
can be more than one sentence.
II. Background information (Optional Paragraph 2)
1. Often unnecessary in this type of paper
2. However, you may need to provide some background about the term or your
connection to the term.
III. Point #1
1. The first part of your definition of the term (follow order of thesis)
2. Example to illustrate that point.
3. Analysis of how the example illustrates the point.
IV. Point #2
1. The second part of the definition of the term.
2. Example to illustrate that point.
3. Analysis of how the example illustrates the point.
V. Point #3
1. The third part of the definition (if there is one)
2. Example to illustrate that point.
3. Analysis of how the example illustrates the point.
E. Point four, etc.
VI. Conclusion
A. Review your definition’s main points in a new way
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 or
why readers should adopt your view of this term or concept.
*This outline illustrates the most basic structure of a definition essay and is only
intended to be used as a guide. Feel free to organize your outline and essay as you see
fit.
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Definition Essay Techniques/Tips
1. Introduce the term right away.
2. Give the formal, traditional, or concrete definition
3. Give the background of the term
• Historical context or historical use
• Background of usage
• Term’s origin
4. Provide brief examples of how the term is used in everyday life—to show the
connotation of the term in practical use.
5. Include a full narrative anecdote with details about a specific event that happened
involving the term. This anecdote vividly illustrates the term in action. You newly
define the term from your personal experience.
6. Explain sub-categories or aspects of the term
• Classifications
• Divisions
7. Define via synonyms to compare what is similar or like the term
8. Define via negation – antonyms, what the term is NOT, contrast to other ideas or
terms, give the opposite for contrast.
9. Enumeration – list characteristics
10. Explain with a metaphor or analogy to make the concept more familiar to your
reader.
11. Explain by pointing out famous instances in popular culture to give the reader a
familiar connection.
12. Use a personal hook early in the essay – explain why you care so much about the
term. We care more about an essay when the author cares about it.
13. Use Rhetorical Questions to get your reader involved in thinking about the
implications of the term in his/her own life – create a personal hook within your
reader to make him/her care.
14. Offer interesting facts and/or ideas about your term.
Bonus techniques for use in any essay:
1. Come full circle. If you start with an idea or story, return to it at the end and reevaluate it or revisit it with humor.
2. Use tone and diction in a surprising way.