Benevolence

Your assignment is to create a 500 – 1000 word essay that defines a word of your choice.

Choose an interesting word, perhaps a word with more than one meaning. Note that there may not be enough to say about words such as “dog” or “cat.” You may want to write the essay to inform, entertain or argue for your definition. Therefore, the writer may choose to use a combination of modes of development, such as Definition with Narration, Description, or Argumentation.

Definition essays typically contain dictionary definitions that include the general class to which the term belongs. However, more information is needed. An extended definition is necessary to define a subject in depth. Extended definitions include characteristics of the subject that distinguish it from others in its class. See “How to Write a Definition Essay” in Blackboard Lesson 11. Additional detail can be added to the extended definition with examples or with comparisons to familiar items.

The meaning of a word can be described by explaining not only what the word is, but also what the word isn’t. Words may mean different things to different people, so the extended definition may be enriched through the author’s point of view. Additionally, the origins of the word, or etymology, may be useful in understanding the definition. As you begin to write your essay, use the clustering and free writing techniques to help generate ideas. Access to a thesaurus containing synonyms may be helpful. Write a brief outline sketching a framework for your essay.

Consider the five-paragraph-essay format beginning with an introductory paragraph containing your thesis statement. Continue into the body of your essay with examples, characteristics and other information that substantiates the thesis. End with a concluding paragraph that wraps up or summarizes what has been said. The essay should be easy to read such that each sentence makes sense the first time it is read. It must be grammatically correct and free of spelling and punctuation errors that distract the reader from following the flow of the piece. Use an interesting title that engages the reader, but doesn’t give away too much of the essay.