1. Definition

2. Definition
Tells what a term means and how it differs from other terms in its class
Altruism is the performance of an unselfish act.
As a pattern of behavior, this act must have two qualities
It must benefits someone else, and
It must do so to the disadvantage of the benefactor
It is not merely a matter of being helpful; it is helpfulness at a cost to yourself
Essay is not merely a dictionary definition but must explain what something or even someone is

3. Formal Definition Three part structure Example:: Term to be defined
Class it is part of
Qualities that differentiate it from the other terms in the same class
Example::
Term: Naturalism
Class: A literary movement
Differentiation: Whose original advocates believed that writers should treat life with scientific objectivity

4. Examples Term: Behaviorism Class: A theory
Differentiation: That regards the objective facts of a subject’s actions as the only valid basis for psychological study.
Term: Cell
Class: A unit of protoplasm
Differentiation: With a nucleus, cytoplasm, and an enclosing membrane

5. Uses To explain: Abstractions: Freedom
Controversial terms: Right to life
Slang terms
Words with more than one meaning:
Unfamiliar words
Using a word in an unfamiliar way:
Wife beater
Untouchable

6. Combining Rhetorical Modes
Exemplification: provides examples
Description: provide a visualization
Comparison and contrast: provide a comparison/contrast with something familiar to the reader
Process: provide an explanation; suitable for terms that must be described by what they do
Classification: identify the class your term belongs to

7. Other Strategies Synonyms Antonyms
Enumeration (listing its characteristics)
Analogies
Origin and Development

8. Example 1 Introduction (reason) Definition Conclusion
Thesis: if you look carefully at your calendar for the month of December, you are likely to come across the holiday Kwanzaa, which may be unfamiliar to you but which is celebrated each year by an increasing number of your friends, coworkers, and neighbors
Current importance with examples
Definition
Brief formal definition
Historical background
Features: seven principles, various activities, clothing, participants, meaning of celebration, food, stories, materials and resources
Present instances – current and growing popularity
Conclusion
Summary and sources for further information

9. Example 2 Introduction: Background: Examples: Conclusion:
Thesis: Contrary to its critics’ objections, behaviorism is a valid approach for treating a wide variety of psychological dysfunctions
Background:
Definition of behaviorism, including its origins and evolution
Examples:
The use of behaviorism to help psychotics function in an institutional setting
The use of behaviorism to treat neurotic behavior, such as chronic anxiety, a phobia, or a pattern of destructive acts
The use of behaviorism to treat normal but antisocial or undesirable behavior, such as heavy smoking or overeating
Conclusion:
Restatement of thesis or review of key points

10. Definition Essay Types
For subjects that can be observed, measured, and known:
What are its features?
What is its history?
What does it do?
What doesn’t it do?
For concepts, values, or terms whose meaning depends on the ways people use them:
How do people use it?
What has its meaning been historically?
How has the meaning changed?
How is the set of values or concepts different from/ similar to others?