Types of Definition Essays

Formal definitions: In a formal definition, the term to be defined is given, the class to which it belongs is identified, and how it is differentiated from that class is stated. For instance

Informal defintions: Informal definitions tend to focus on personal experience or point-of-view.

Methods for Writing Definiton Essays (use of other modes for support)

Methods used when defining: Most of the modes we have studied so far can be used as methods in the definition essay. For example, to define something, a writer can

• describe it
• tell stories about it (anecdotes)
• compare or contrast it to other things
• give examples of it
• classify it and identify its unique properties
• describe causes and effects of the item being defined
• explain its process of functioning

An example of a definition essay is the introduction to Terence McLauglin's book Dirt: A Social History as Seen Through the Uses and Abuses of Dirt (1971) where he defines dirt by giving examples, comparing it to things which are not considered dirt, by analogies, and by extended examples (narratives).

Thesis

In a formal definition essay, the thesis is usually the formal definition. The significance, importance, relevance, or value of discussing this term is usually provided in the introduction.

In an informal definition essay, the thesis focuses on the significance, importance, relevance, or value of the thing being defined. Most of the essays in our textbook are examples of informal definitions.

Definition essays can focus on words which are

• obscure, unknown--the definition given is usually formal
• necessary to a field of study--usually formal definitions are given
• misunderstood--these essays often focus on the value of a correct understanding or the history of how the word became misunderstood
• abstract--often informal definitions will be given of abstract words like love or beauty with the purpose of making these abstractions more accessible or concrete. Often these definitions are highly personal.
• commonplace--sometimes definition essays will focus on commonplace words for the purpose of leading readers to a new appreciation of the word or to revitalize the word