Extended Definition Essay
 

Class Information Assignments Resources


There are several types of definitions. You are probably familiar with the definitions you find in the dictionary, an explanation of the meaning or meanings of a word, as well as information on its pronunciation and what form of speech it is.

There may also be examples of different forms of the word.

The Oxford English Dictionary provides the same information as a standard dictionary, but it goes one step further and actually shows the history of the word and what meanings the word has had over time. In addition, there are often literary passages to demonstrate usage of a word.

Some words, however, are not easily defined. These are words that express an idea or an abstract concept. Often, writers will produce essays that offer an extended definition of what a term means. Extended definitions can be purely personal or they can be largely objective. A personal definition explains how a writer is using the term and allows the reader to see a word in a different light.

For this assignment, you will write an extended definition explaining what one of the following words or phrases mean:

  • personal responsibility
  • student success
  • self management
  • interdependence

As you begin to develop your definition, don't just repeat what you read on web sites or in books. What does the word or phrase mean to you?

As you work on defining the word or phrase, you might use synonyms (words which have the same or similar meanings), give examples, discuss the term's origins, develop comparisons, tell what the term  is not, or create an anecdote to show the term in action. You may consult a dictionary, but do not use a dictionary quotation as the main part of your definition. You may, however, integrate information you learn from the dictionary into your extended definition.

Your task will be to make the definition fresh by using your own understanding and experience to illuminate the word’s meaning. You’re writing a definition that not only explains how the word is generally used but also explains your understanding of the word.

Your extended definition essay  will need to be a MINIMUM of TWO  FULL pages.  When you turn in your final draft you will need to include the following items:  

  1. The final draft of the essay. Your essay must follow the format outlined during the orientation.  Essays that are not typed in the format discussed in class will be returned unread and ungraded. Formatting errors will cause you to lose two points for each error. 

  2. A LETTER to me (submitted in the body of the email) in which you discuss what interested you about this topic.  Describe any difficulties you had with the assignment and how you attempted to overcome those difficulties.  And finally, what do you think the strengths of your essay are, and what would you still like to work on?  Keep in mind that this last question is not simply an opportunity for you to “sell” your work.  I want your honest assessment.  Your letter should be one page hand-written.  Don’t try to write the letter in the five minutes before class.  I want to see that you have put some thought into these questions.

  3. All rough drafts, prewriting, and any other activities we do in class related to this assignment) 

    When you come to class the day your essay is due, your packet should be ready to go.  I will not have a stapler or paper clips with me.  You need to take care of all of this before you come to class.

    Remember to submit your essay to Turnitin.com prior to submitting the packet to me in class.

     

 
Class Information Assignments Resources

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This page updated 08-12-08