Informative/ Definition Essays

How would you explain the relationship between and among these people?

What is a definition/ information essay? Way of explaining a term, relationship, or idea that might be unfamiliar to the intended audience. You may define a term (gaming addiction) Thing (perfume pills) Relationship (how businesses are utilizing virtual world technology) Idea/ Philosophy (Ethics of using drone technology in the military)

Purpose Inform Persuade the audience about something they do not already understand Persuade Your audience of the importance of your topic/ idea/ etc.

Extended Definitions Define the term/ idea/ object/ philosophy itself Fork Dalmatian The class to which it belongs Utensil Breed of dog Distinguishing Characteristics Two or more prongs Used for eating or serving food Originated in Dalmatia Has short, smooth coat with black or dark brown spots

An Extended Definition is Specific and Focused Focus on a specific term, idea, relationship, or object Discuss that one thing in great detail Relate it to the audience using description and illustration

It Makes A Point- Thesis Thesis usually includes a brief definition of the term and why it is worth reading about. Use of drones, or unmanned aircraft used by the military for espionage or attacking purposes by the military, is a highly unethical. The act of giving students computers which can be taken home is a practice that only distracts students from their classwork.

Use other Patterns of Development to Clarify Narrate Illustrate- use stories and examples Process- How it works Compare and Contrast- define what it is and what it is not Classify it into a category Divide- show all of its parts Cause and Effect Argue its value or ethics

Sufficient Distinguishing Characteristics and Details Use Vivid Language Make the Reader Fully Understand what the term is Mention many characteristics of what the term is Address misconceptions so the reader can distinguish it from similar ideas How online college classes are different from on campus classes

Writing the Essay- Prewriting Read Information Generate Ideas Narrow the topic to a specific term Find specific information and examples Brainstorm with a friend Consider your purpose Audience Point of View Identify Distinguishing Characteristics and supporting Details

Thesis and Organizing Develop a working thesis statement Briefly defines term and tells why it is important Evaluate your ideas Do you have enough information Facts, descriptions, expert testimony Decide on the reader’s journey What order should you present information Outline it all

Writing the Draft Include enough details and information Consider including history or etymology of the term- where it came from Use transitions Write an effective introduction Get the reader’s attention Make sure the thesis is complex enough to be discussed for the entire paper Write a Conclusive Conclusion Reinforce the thesis Draw essay to a satisfying close

Re-Vision Concentrate on ideas and organization This improves grades by letters Grammar and spelling improves grades by + Think of other terms/ ideas that could be defined by your essay If there is one, you must change something Exceptions How do you deal with what does not “fit” your defintion?

Edit and Proofread Only do this after a well revised essay as been made CUPS (Capitalization, Usage, Punctuation, Spelling) Improve wording and awkwardness Check In-text Citations and Works Cited Double check formatting etc. on turnitin and Word