Krause
AP Language and Composition
Fall 2014
Definition Essay
Defining is one strategy under the umbrella concept of clarifying ideas. A definition can expand limits or can contract them; a
definition can resolve an ambiguity or can establish one. In any case, a definition addresses the fundamental question, “What
is X?” the definition essay shares qualities of other essay types and can be approached by strategies useful for a variety of
genres.
Possible strategies for establishing a topic and developing a definition:
 Consider cause-and-effect (good for defining motivations)
 Provide an extended example to illustrate an opening definition; or, provide a range of examples.
 Define through comparing and contrasting (show what x is by showing that it is not y)
 Create a narrative (reflect on personal expertise for sharing with non-initiated audience)
Common types of definition:
 Definition According to Purpose: detail the fundamental qualities an object, principle, role, policy, or artistic work
should have in order to fulfill its potential.
 Descriptive Definition: identify the distinctive characteristics of an individual or group that sets it apart from others.
 Logical Definition: answer 2 questions: into what general category does the subject fall, and how does it differ from
other members of the same category (see pp. 330-331 for 5 key principles for writing this type of definition).
 Essential or Existential Definition: address abstract concepts such as “What is the essence of x?” or “What does it
mean to be x?” or “What does it mean to live in a state of x?”
 Process Definition: explain how things or phenomena get to be the way they are.
Questions to Ask when Reading or Writing an Essay of Definition:
 What is the purpose of the definition? To explain the subject’s characteristics? Its essential nature? Its function or
purpose? Is the intent to persuade? To entertain?
 How do audience concerns affect how the definition is presented? How much technical knowledge, for example, is
necessary for understanding the definition?
 Does definition dominate the essay, or is definition used one of the strategies within the essay?
 What techniques of definition does the essay (or should the essay) employ? Providing examples? Naming?
Comparing and Contrasting? Negative strategies (what the subject is NOT)? Examining cause and effect? Narrative?
Analogy?
 Is an objective definition or a subjective definition more appropriate for the subject? Given the subject or objective
approach, what tone should be conveyed? Authoritative? Humorous? Edgy?
Essays (all will be read in class):
1. Bass, Rick: “Double Talk”
2. Arana, Marie: “Ghosts/Pishtacos”
3. Mairs, Nancy: “On Being a Cripple”
4. Chaudhry, Lakshmi: “Mirror, Mirror on the Web”
5. Carter, Stephen: “The Insufficiency of Honesty”
Homework:
Following the general prompt, compose an analytical response to two of the first four essays. Students striving for scores
in the 8-9 range should incorporate at least two separate pieces of evidence for support.
General Prompt:
Based on the interactions of speakeraudiencesubject, how does the author strategically employ a specific
writing technique to achieve a particular end or purpose?
IF YOU MISS A DUE DATE FOR A RESPONSE, THEN YOU MAY NOT TURN IN A LATE RESPONSE FOR THAT ESSAY.
Krause
AP Language and Composition
Fall 2014
Definition Essay
Calendar
11/10

Read Bass
Essay

NO SCHOOL

Bass
Response due
Read Arana
essay
11/17

Arana Response due

Chaudhry
Response due
Read Carter
essay



Read Mairs essay
Mairs response due
Read Chaudhry essay
11/24

NO SCHOOL
12/1
Work on Definition essay

Work on Definition essay
Definition Essay due
12/8
12/15

Block 1°-4°


1° final
Adjusted 5°7°

2° & 3° final

4° & 5° final

6° & 7° final