Definition essay 3-4 pages

Module 4.

THE DEFINITION ESSAY

How can different perspectives and premises lead to different definitions?

What does definition mean and how can I write a 1000-word definition?

Definition = Oxford dictionary states: “An exact statement or description of the nature, scope, or meaning of something”

Nature of something = what it is like and what it is not like

Scope of something = how big it is or how far it goes

Meaning of something = the category it fits in and what makes it significant

How can I write a 1000-word definition essay?

The dictionary definition is usually just the basic category. We look up a word in the dictionary to get a simple idea of the category it fits into.

For example, if I look up “faith” in the Cambridge dictionary, it says:

• “great trust or confidence in something or someone”

• “a particular religion”

• “strong belief in God or a particular religion”

This just gives me the very basic idea. It does not answer the nature, scope, and significance of the concept of faith. An essay can help me to explore the concept and truly come to understand it.

Perspective

We can come to understand a concept from different perspectives. Let’s look at the word “faith.”

What does having faith refer to if I’m talking about business? What if I am talking about my sense of myself? What if I am talking about my society and culture? What if I am talking about religion?

When you are defining a concept, first ask yourself about the origin or source of the concept. In other words, where does it come from or what causes it? For example, where does faith come from? Is it from the physical environment around me? Is it a gift of God? Is it something my mind creates? Some kind of emotion? Or is my ability to have faith somehow biological? Or maybe it is a combination of all four quadrants.

RUAH (a Hebrew word meaning “spirit” or “breath”)

When you are defining a concept, first ask yourself about the origin or source of the concept. In other words, where does it come from? For example, where does happiness come from? Is it a physical feeling? Is it a gift of God? Is it something we create with our own minds? Or is it in our biological make-up? Or maybe it is a combination of all four quadrants.

Writing the Definition Essay

Introduction:

Usually, the introduction is short (3-4 sentences). Start with a simple hook – a quote (famous quote, biblical quote, popular quote), a symbol, an image, what often comes to mind in association with the word you are going to define. Then follow the general introduction pattern (Introductory sentence + Topic sentence + Thesis)

Thesis statement (formal definition)

Term + its class/category + differentiation (what makes it unique in that category)

Note: For the class/category, consider your perspective and see the graph on the previous page.

Grammar you need for this:

Noun + be + article + noun + adjective clause (that, which, who, when, where)

Here are some examples:

Faith is a mindset that leads to well-being and a more peaceful life.

Faith is a spiritual practice that requires the experience of suffering.

Faith is an executive function that requires healthy brain development.

Thesis Statement (detailed)

Follow the structure for the basic definition:

Term + be + category (RUAH) + that/which + differentiation + through the following methods of definition: roadmap (indication of your assertions methods of definition)

Example:

Biblical love is God’s wisdom that provides a guide for whole, healthy living both on earth and in heaven through the following methods: comparison, function, and analogy.

Writing expressions of RUAH into a thesis

If heart…

(Term) is an emotional condition that/which…

…is a psychological state that/which...

If strength…

(Term) is a physical condition that/which…

…is an experiential state that/which…

…is a scientific idea that/which…

If mind…

(Term) is a human construct that/which…

….is a system of _________ that/which…

If soul…

(Term) is a spiritual condition…

*If Christian/religious

(Term) is a _____ from God that/which

… is God’s ________ that/which

Differentiation (Thesis key word):

The differentiation should be one word that unifies and interprets the evidence and methods used in the essay. This can be a word you think of on your own, or a word/idea that you have discovered in your research that is commonly associated with the term. (i.e. in the example above, “guide for living” is the differentiation). Use this key word accurately (i.e. use the same word/expression in the thesis and the assertion/connection sentences of the body paragraphs)

Roadmap (Assertion key words):

4 (or more) methods listed in the course pack should be chosen that reflect the evidence used in the paragraph (i.e. Historical origin, comparison/contrast, function, examples, etc.). Use the key words accurately (i.e. what appears in the course pack should be what appears in the road map and in the assertion/connection sentences)

Expand the Definition

Choose one or more ways to continue the definition. One clear organizational choice is to write with one method per paragraph.

• Contrast (what it is NOT or how it is different from other things)

• Comparison (how it is similar to other things; synonyms)

• Characteristics or qualities

• Historical origin

• Analogy

• Appearance (what it looks like)

• Process (HOW it works)

• Causes and/or effects

• Connotation (associations and emotions)

• Functions (what it does; why it is important)

• Examples

Another good option is to use the WH Questions (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How). With this option, you can write a paragraph about “what” it is, another about “how” it functions, and another about “when and where.”

For my essay on “faith,” I could decide to define it by:

• The historical understanding of faith from the Bible

• How faith is misunderstood in modern culture

• A story of a person whose faith grew through hardship

Body Paragraph Structure

1. Make an assertion of your specific point. This should reveal the method of definition for your paragraph.

2. Explain more in your own words.

3. Offer your general evidence (such as a quotation or background information).

4. Explain the meaning of the evidence. Connect it to the key words in your paragraph and thesis.

5. Give more specific evidence.

6. Explain the meaning of the evidence and…

7. Conclude.

Sample Body Paragraph:

The ancient Old Testament origins of the concept of faith focus on a sense of safety and security. In other words, people need to choose faith because their lives are sometimes unsafe and insecure. In his explanation of faith, theologian H.L. Schwartz (1996) says, “security that is a result of a trusting relationship with God is most important. It can be combined with the fear of the Lord and obedience to his Word so that the one who walks in the dark is encouraged to ‘trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God (Isa 50:10).” Faith, then, requires actions such as seeking a relationship with God, obeying God, and relying on God. These actions are not easy, and they are in the context of “walking in the dark.” Faith, then, deepens when we experience difficulty. In Matthew 6, we read of numerous miracles of Jesus. In all cases, there is a serious crisis, but Jesus recognizes that in their crisis, these people have faith, and he heals them. Then, Jesus and his disciples go out on the lake in a boat, and a violent storm blows in. “The disciples went and woke him up. They said, ‘Lord! Save us! We’re going to drown!’ He replied, ‘Your faith is so small! Why are you so afraid? Then Jesus got up and ordered the winds and the waves to stop. It became completely calm (Matthew 6:23-26). In this situation, we can see that the opposite of faith is fear. Therefore, the Bible reveals that having faith is a choice during times of fear and trouble, even when it seems hopeless.

Definition Body Paragraph Pattern (Detailed)

Please follow this pattern for the definition essay which is closely related to the general body paragraph pattern.

Assertion: State what the paragraph will discuss/prove with the main key word from the thesis (your differentiation) and an assertion key word from the roadmap (one method of definition that supports the differentiation and matches the evidence used).

Transition word/phrase (In more detail, More specifically, In other words)

Explanation: Explain the assertion in more detail, focusing on the method of definition

Transition word/phrase (In the book of, As ________(biblical author) records/writes)

Evidence: Biblical evidence (more general than below, if applicable) make sure to introduce with sufficient context (at least author/book/context of the passage), “quote” cite (Book Chapter: Verse(s) + Translation for first citation).

Transition word/phrase (Clearly, This indicates that, It is clear that, In other words, With this in mind, Considering this,)

Discussion: Explain in your own words how the evidence supports/proves the assertion/thesis. Can be more than one sentence.

Transition word/phrase (In addition, Moreover, or In comparison/contrast or For example/For instance) + (The book of _____ states, As_______ (biblical author) records/writes)

Evidence: More biblical evidence (more specific than above, if applicable), OR evidence from an authoritative/credible source (required for comparison/contrast paragraphs) make sure to introduce with sufficient context, paraphrase or “quote” cite (Book Chapter: Verse(s)).

Transition word/phrase (Clearly, This suggests/reveals/means/highlights that, For this reason, With this in mind,)

Discussion: Explain in your own words how the evidence proves the assertion/thesis/evidence above. Can/should be more than one sentence.

Transition word/phrase (Therefore,/Thus,/Hence,/Consequently,)

Connection sentence: Using key word (academic concept/word) from the thesis (differentiation) and the key word (aspect of the academic concept/word) from the roadmap (method of definition) (same key words from the assertion), summarize in one sentence how the paragraph proved the assertion/thesis

Another example:

The appearance of the Latin cross is the most familiar and widely recognized symbol of Christianity today. In more detail, it was most likely the shape of the structure upon which Jesus Christ was crucified. In the gospel account of Matthew, he describes the trip to Jesus’ execution, “As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross” (Matt 27:32 NIV). The story continues to tell how Jesus was nailed to the cross and hung up along with two other criminals. Clearly, the shape of the cross was significant because it visually indicated the end of Jesus’ human life, which would have greatly impacted his followers. Though various forms of the cross existed, the Latin cross was made of two pieces of wood crossed to create four right angles. The Roman Catholic depictions of the cross often reveal the body of Christ still on the cross (Citation). This is known as the crucifix and brings emphasis to the sacrifice and suffering of Christ. Protestant churches tend to portray the empty cross, emphasizing the resurrected, risen Christ. As Matthew also records, followers of Christianity identify with the cross through the words of Jesus, “anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me” (Matt 10:38). With this in mind, the appearance of the cross represents a Christian’s understanding and acceptance of suffering in life, and the cross today represents Christ's victory over sin and death through the sacrifice of his own body on the cross. Therefore, the appearance of the cross is significant because Christians wear the cross as a symbol that they are “following” Jesus.

 

Introducing Scriptural Evidence with Context

Book:

Always include the title of the book as context (do not write “As the Bible states/writes”, etc.)

Example:

• In the book of Genesis,

• As is written in the book of Deuteronomy,

+ Author:

If the author is known, include their name (and title if available)

Example:

• In the book of Revelation, the author John states…

• In the book of Romans, the apostle Paul writes…

• In the book of Matthew, he records (he implies that the author of Matthew is Matthew)

If there is no author for the book, write that the author is “unknown”

Example:

• In the book of Hebrews, the author who is unknown, writes…

• The book of Job, whose author is unknown, records…

If the author is disputed or debated (the scholars are not sure who the author is, but there may be a traditionally accepted author for the book)

Example:

• According to the book of 1 Kings, whose author is debated,

• The book of Genesis, whose author is disputed but traditionally/historically believed to be Moses,

+ Context:

The best introduction for scriptural evidence is book + author + context. In this case, context refers to where the passage (verse) used as evidence fits in the larger section of text it is a part of.

Example:

• In the book of Genesis, whose author is disputed but traditionally believed to be Moses, God speaks to Moses from a burning bush saying: “Quote”

• The book of Matthew, written by the disciple Matthew, records Jesus’ speaking to the Jews about love, “Quote”

Organization

Follow the deductive pattern. However, you do not need a separate A=B paragraph (background) for this essay because the whole essay is definition. Instead, start your body paragraphs with a more general or foundational definition. It is common to start with a paragraph about the historical background or linguistic origin of the word and then go into other ways of defining in the following paragraphs. If you plan to use contrast, we often place this second. If you plan to write one paragraph using examples, since examples are very specific, place this paragraph last. These are not rules but common practices.

Conclusion

Return to the definition that you started with but now, add to it. Rewrite the definition more specifically or with new insight. Your concluding paragraph will be short (approximately 3-5 sentences).

Further Considerations

Kinds of Evidence

You can use any kind of evidence for a definition essay. However, consider the discipline you are writing for. If you are writing a definition essay for a biology course, what kind of evidence counts? If you are writing for a history class, what kind of evidence counts? If the assignment asks you for your own thoughts, then you can use your personal experiences. Otherwise, this is a formal paper and your personal experiences do not fit.

Research and documentation

Always read your professor’s instructions. Your professor might want you to write a definition essay that is also a research paper. Or you might write a definition based on your lectures and textbook. Or you might write a definition that does not use research but just your own thoughts.

Remember that any time you get ideas, information, background, or sentences from a source, you need to give your citation and reference.

Academic Tone

Definition essays are usually formal, so avoid using I/me/my. As always, avoid using “you” as well as slang, idioms, or informal language of any kind. Use proper sentence structures.

Cultural and Linguistic Comparisons

Definition essays provide a perfect opportunity to contribute your culture, religion and language to the discussion. Consider writing a comparison or contrast. For example, for our topic on faith, you might explain what words your language has that are similar. You might offer proverbs and teachings from your culture, or you might tell a story (true or fictional) about a person who demonstrates faith in your culture.