Comp 102--Definition Essay--MacLennan
A definition essay defines a word, term, or concept in depth by providing a personal commentary on
what the specific subject means. Most physical objects have a definition about which most people
agree. Most people will agree on what trees, windows, computers, and pencils are in general. These
objects all have specific physical properties that most people can agree on through the use of their
physical senses. However, 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.
The first question for any writer should be, “Why am I writing?” “What is my goal or my purpose for
writing?” For many writing contexts, a person’s immediate purpose may be to complete an
assignment or receive a good grade. But the long-range purpose of writing is to communicate to a
particular audience. In order to communicate successfully to an audience, understanding the
purpose for writing will make you a better writer.
Purpose is the reason or reasons why a person composes a particular piece of writing. Focusing on
purpose as one writes helps a person to know what form of writing to choose, how to focus and
organize the writing, what kinds of evidence to cite, how formal or informal the writing style should
be, and how much should be written.
Your purpose for writing this essay is to define a term, PRIVACY, from your own perspective.
Realize that this perspective is influenced by your age, your values, your personality. You will need
to read broadly to see what others are saying about the issue, what the term meant in the past, and
what the term has come to mean in the present. What are the factors influencing the understanding
of PRIVACY? What elements are most important to you?
Setting up the definition essay
A. Select a subject carefully: You will find a list of the Bill of Rights and the United Nations
International Rights on the blog. You will read broadly about the right to PRIVACY and define the
term PRIVACY for the purpose of this essay. You will compose an Annotated Bibliography of all
the resources you are reading and/or viewing during your research. You should provide specific
examples through this research to illustrate your definition. You should reference articles/videos
in your essay in accordance with all MLA guidelines.
B. Once you have selected the focus of your definition of PRIVACY, outline your paper carefully
before writing. Outlining 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
A. Attention getter
 You may want to include the traditional or dictionary definition here to provide a basis for
your personal definition.
 You may want to open with a contradictory image to what would be your image to illustrate
that definition.
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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.
II. Body
A. Background information:
 You may need to provide some background about PRIVACY or your perspective of PRIVACY.
B. Point one
1. The first part of your definition of PRIVACY.
2. Example to illustrate that point.
3. Analysis of how the example illustrates the point.
C. Point two
1. The second part of the definition of PRIVACY.
2. Example to illustrate that point.
3. Analysis of how the example illustrates the point.
D. Point three
1. The third part of the definition of PRIVCAY.
2. Example to illustrate that point.
3. Analysis of how the example illustrates the point.
III. Conclusion
A. Review your definition’s main points
B. Closing attention getter
 A reference back to the opening attention-getter is a good way of unifying the entire essay.
 You may want to close with an explanation of how your definition has affected you.
Writing the definition essay
A. Make sure that you have a good, specific thesis that tells readers just how you will define the
term.
B. Follow your outline to remind yourself when you need examples and analysis of those examples.
C. Use good, specific examples to illustrate each point.
 Examples allow readers to visualize how the definition can be applied.
D. Provide good transitions to link all parts of the essay.
E. Have a good conclusion that brings the parts of the definition together and leaves readers with an
image of how the definition is applied.
F. Proofread carefully.
G. You must have all elements of MLA present: intext documentation, Works Cited.
Rough Draft & Annotated Bib DUE: MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2014
Conference: MONDAY, JAN. 27-THURSDAY, JAN. 30
REQUIRED!
Final Draft DUE: FRIDAY, JANUARY 31 @ 6:00 PM
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