7min Define your house.  What does it look like?  Where is it located?  Who lives there?  How does a typical day go at home?

Definition Essay Professor Minnis 2012

What Is a Definition Essay?  A Definition essay provides an explanation of a general principle or idea by using a number of well-chosen examples.  Definition is one of the most frequently used methods in writing, especially when the writer wants to impart new or unfamiliar information. Do not use the dictionary!!! This is your take!

How to Write an Definition Essay A Definition essay involves the following development: Choose a general idea to illustrate: Choose a general idea to illustrate:Example:  Many of today’s drivers have dangerous habits  Teaching is a demanding profession.  The best things in life are definitely not free. Use specific examples to illustrate the ideas. Example: a car-give examples of when you have used the car, reliability and comfort. Employ senses of sight, sound, smell, touch, or taste to enhance the vividness of examples; Employ senses of sight, sound, smell, touch, or taste to enhance the vividness of examples; Use facts, anecdotes, and personal experiences for concrete details.

Introduction 1. Introduce topic-hook 2. Provide transition statement 3. Thesis sentence provides the statement of what you will illustrate or define within the essay.  Example: Today I will discuss my professional goals, how I am a team leader and the way I work as a team player.

Body Body paragraph 1 1. Topic Sentence: Present the first supporting idea. 2. Supporting Details: Give specific examples (one long example or three short examples). 3. Closing Remarks: Wrap up the whole paragraph. Body paragraph 2 1. Topic Sentence: Present the second supporting idea. 2. Supporting Details: Give specific examples (one long example or three short examples). 3. Closing Remarks: Wrap up the whole paragraph. Body paragraph 3 1. Topic Sentence: Present the third supporting idea. 2. Supporting Details: Give specific examples (one long example or three short examples). 3. Closing Remarks: Wrap up the whole paragraph.

Conclusion  Example essay in the Profile Chapter, pg Transition, In conclusion 2.Restate the thesis statement. 3.Emphasize the importance of the topic.

Assignment Create a definition essay or job-application letter (page) Your topic can be from…  Any of the topics in Ch5 Profiles  Additional Topics pages Rough Draft Due Monday 2/25/13-We will edit the rough draft during class on Monday, so you must have it done! words (1 ½ -2 pages) Times NR, or Arial/12 font/double space

Activity  Find a partner, go to page 76  read the prompt for Q1, interview your partner, answer in a 2-3 paragraph response. Make sure you put your partner name as your title. You will both turn in your interviews before class ends