Essay #1 Prompt

Essay #1: Definition Essay

A definition essay is an essay that thoroughly explains a subject or word. Its purpose is to work with a vague concept and provide examples and analysis that give a clear, concise, and complete picture of the concept to our readers.  This helps us as writers because we improve our ability to add details and analysis to explain ourselves.

Structure: this essay is both expository and a little bit persuasive.  The writer must not only explain the definition of his/her subject, he/she must also defend his/her stance on the subject with support and explanations.

Helpful strategies for a writing this definition essay:

1. Define your term or idea in a clear manner.  Be absolutely sure that YOU understand your term or word in order to effectively explain it to someone else.
2. Share facts, examples, and anecdotes that are clearly connected to your selected term or word.  Be thorough in explaining your facts, examples, and anecdotes.
3. Identify your subject and its definition. Consider both the denotative definition (dictionary meaning) and connotative definition (associations or set of associations which a word brings to mind) for your selected subject.
4. Think about how you feel about the subject; which side do you consider yourself on? (This will make your thesis statement)

A potential format your essay:

• Paragraph 1 – Introduction, concluding with a strong assertive thesis
• Paragraph 2 – Thorough explanation of the subject’s meaning, considering both denotative meaning AND connotative meaning
• Paragraph 3 – Personal/Real world connection to subject (using anecdotes and examples)
• Paragraph 4 – Conclusion

Choose ONE of the following topics/subjects (based off of the essays we’ve discussed in class):

• The effects of minimum wage increases on California and its people (raising minimum wage)
• The High Cost of Living in Los Angeles: The split between upper and working class (stopping or continuing renovations in LA)
• Freedom of Speech / Freedom of expression: in defense of 1st Amendment rights (our right as Americans to express inflammatory ideas)

THEN:

1. Construct an essay where you Introduce me to your subject and YOUR stance on it (in thesis statement), 2. then you explain what the common “definition” of your subject is and how it is currently being viewed in our society, and then 3. build your argument with examples and anecdotes (personal stories)

  1 3/4 Page Minimum – No Maximum

12 pt font

Times New Roman

Double Spaced

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