Writer:____________________________

Extended Definition Essay

In your next writing assignment, you will be able to choose an abstract concept to define in detail.
Your essay should explain your unique opinion on the concept you choseyour definition should
differ from what others might say or vary from the simple dictionary definition.

It should also include various strategies of definition (definition by function, example, structure,
background and/or negation). Be as specific and detailed as possible; go beyond the obvious and
give specific examples that illuminate your unique definition of the word. The final extended
definition essay should be about 2 pages, typed and double spaced.

Structure: IntroductionHook, background/context, thesis (your unique definition)

Body ParagraphsTopic sentences, definition strategies (evidence), analysis of how your evidence
proves your thesis

ConclusionSummarize your extended definition and highlight the ways your definition is different,
leave readers with a statement of the definitions importancethe so what?

Criteria Points Comments

The introduction grabs the readers attention and clearly states an /5
interesting thesis that clearly and uniquely defines your chosen concept.

Each body paragraph contains a clear and concise topic sentence and /5
smoothly transitions from idea to idea.
The thesis is clearly supported by a variety of appropriate evidence, /5
including definition by example, function, structure, background,
and/or negation. A variety of relevant details from text, personal
experience, and society richly enhance the writers definition. The
commentary convincingly develops the thesis.
The conclusion summarizes the definition and explains its uniqueness and /5
importance.
The writing is smooth, skillful, and coherent throughout. Diction is /5
sophisticated and appropriate for an academic audience.

The writing is free of grammar/mechanics errors. The writer avoids use /5

of 2nd person pronouns and smoothly embeds quotations into the text.

Rough draft is included and edited. Editing sheet is complete. /10

Total /40
 Possible topics for an extended definition essay:

1. Love 25. Trust 49. Personality

2. Hope 26. Respect 50. Peer pressure
3. Independence 27. Ambition 51. Cruelty
4. Injustice 28. Right to privacy 52. Leadership
5. Freedom 29. Generosity 53. Persistence
6. Education 30. Laziness 54. Responsibility
7. Patriotism 31. Charisma 55. Human rights
8. Pain 32. Common sense 56. Sophistication
9. Courage 33. Team player 57. Self-respect
10. Honor 34. Maturity 58. Comfort Food
11. Work 35. Integrity 59. A nerd/geek
12. Responsibility 36. Healthy appetite 60. Heroism
13. Beauty 37. Frustration 61. Thrift
14. Kindness 38. Optimism 62. Sloth
15. Compassion 39. Sense of humor 63. Vanity
16. Sexism 40. A teacher 64. Pride
17. Gumption 41. Physical fitness 65. Greed
18. Racism 42. Marriage 66. Virtue
19. Sportsmanship 43. True friendship 67. Progress
20. Modesty 44. Courage 68. A parent
21. Self-assurance 45. Citizenship 69. A fan
22. Humility 46. Success 70. A good student
23. Dedication 47. A coach 71. A good boss
24. Sensitivity 48. Intelligence

Julius Caesar-specific ideas

Ambition Cowardice Guilt

Honor Superstition Loyalty
Tyranny Heroism Betrayal
A true friend Patriotism Revenge
A good politician Traitor Deceit
A good spouse Trust
 WAYS TO DEFINE

Define by

ExampleUse examples from life and from literature to illustrate your definition
NegationDefine what the topic is NOT so you can clarify what it is; helps contrast your definition with others
definitions
StructureBreak into parts and define each part
FunctionDescribe how it works in the real world, giving specific information
BackgroundGive history of the word or idea

What are some

examples?
How does it
What is it not?
function?

My Term:

What are its parts? What is its background/history?

Adapted from SpringBoard Textual Power