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Definition Essay

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:04:44 +0000

What is a Definition Essay?
A definition essay is writing that explains what a term means. Some terms have definite, concrete meanings, such as glass, book, or tree. Terms such as honesty, honor, or love are abstract and depend more on a person’s point of view.
Three Steps to Effective Definition
1. Tell readers what term is being defined.
2. Present clear and basic information.
3. Use facts, examples, or anecdotes that readers will understand.
Choosing a Definition
Choosing a definition is a key step in writing a definition essay. You need to understand the term before you can define it for others. Read the dictionary, but don’t just copy the definition. Explain the term briefly in your own words. Also, it’s important to limit your term before you start defining it. For example, you could write forever on the term “love.” To limit it, you would write about either “romantic love,” “platonic love,” or “first love.”
Thesis Statement of a Definition Essay
The thesis statement usually identifies the term being defined and provides a brief, basic definition.
(term) (basic definition)
Ex: Assertiveness is standing up for your rights.
How To Write an Effective Definition
1. Create a definition. There are several ways to define a term. Here are a few options.
* Define by function. Explain what something does or how something works.
* Define by structure. Tell how something is organized or put together.
*
Define by analysis. Compare the term to other members of its class and then illustrate the differences. These differences are special characteristics that make the term stand out. For example, compare a Siberian husky to other dogs, such as lap dogs, mutts, or sporting dogs.
(term) (precise definition)
Ex: A Siberian husky is a dog reputed for its ability to tolerate cold, its distinctive features, and its keen strength and stamina.
* Define by what the term does not mean. This distinction can sometimes clarify a definition and help a reader to better understand it.
2. Use understandable facts, examples, or anecdotes. Select facts, examples, or anecdotes to fully explain your definition. Ask yourself, “Which examples will best help readers understand the term? What examples would most appeal to my readers? Will a brief story reveal the term’s meaning?” Do not use any examples that will not support the definition.
Remember: A definition essay is writing that explains what a term means. When writing a definition essay, remember to tell readers what term is being defined, to present a clear and basic definition, and to use facts, examples, or anecdotes that readers will understand

50 Argument Essay Topics

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:03:18 +0000

Looking for a topic you can really sink your teeth into? The best topic is one that you truly care about, and one that you’re prepared to research. You’ll have to back up your claim (whichever side you choose) with lots of evidence and support.
These topics are sure to spark some interest.
1. Is global climate change man-made?
2. Is the death penalty effective?
3. Is our election process fair?
4. Do colleges put too much stock in standardized test scores?
5. Is torture ever acceptable?
6. Should men get paternity leave from work?
7. Is a lottery a good idea?
8. Do we have a fair taxation system?
9. Do curfews keep teens out of trouble?
10. Is cheating out of control?
11. Are we too dependent on computers?
12. Are parents clueless about child predators on the Internet?
13. Should animals be used for research?
14. Should cigarette smoking be banned?
15. Are cell phones dangerous?
16. Are law enforcement cameras an invasion of privacy?
17. Are test scores a good indication of a school’s competency?
18. Do we have a throw-away society?
19. Is child behavior better or worse than it was years ago?
20. Should companies market to children?
21. Should the government have a say in our diets?
22. Does access to condoms prevent teen pregnancy?
23. Does access to condoms irresponsible, dangerous, or bad behavior?
24. Are actors and professional athletes paid too much?
25. Are CEO’s paid too much?
26. Do violent video games cause behavior problems?
27. Should creationism be taught in public schools?
28. Are beauty pageants exploitive?
29. Should English be the official language in the United States?
30. Should the racing industry be forced to use biofuels?
31. When should parents let teens make their own decisions?
33. Should the military be allowed to recruit at high schools?
34. Should the alcoholic drinking age be increased or decreased?
35. Does age matter in relationships?
36. What age is appropriate for dating?
37. Should gay couples be able to marry?
38. Are there benefits to attending a single-sex school?
39. Does boredom lead to trouble?
40. Does participation in sports keep teens out of trouble?
41. Is competition good?
42. Does religion cause war?
43. Should the government provide health care?
44. Should girls ask boys out?
45. Is fashion important?
46. Are girls too mean to each other?
47. Is homework harmful or helpful?
48. Should students be allowed to grade their teachers?
49. Is the cost of college too high?
50. Is college admission too competitive?

Lesson Six: Real Essay Gaffes (Funnies)

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:00:21 +0000

“Proofread! Have others proofread! Spell check! It’s stunning how many people have careless, even really obvious typos in their statements. It makes the applicant look sloppy, uninterested, unintelligent.” - Admissions Officer
You would be amazed at the things that get written in admissions essays-even at the top schools. The following is a list of some of the funniest mistakes found by the admissions officers on our team. Remember that behind the hilarity of these errors lurks a serious message: always proofread your essays! Otherwise, you will get the same reaction that these other applicants did: “It makes you wonder if these kids care about their essays at all,” said one of our staff. “I never know whether to call it apathy or ignorance,” said another “but either way, the impression is not good.” Then again, at least they got a laugh!
· Mt. Elgon National Park is well known for its rich deposits of herds of elephants.
· I enjoyed my bondage with the family and especially with their mule, Jake.
· The book was very entertaining, even though it was about a dull subject, World War II.
· I would love to attend a college where the foundation was built upon women.
· The worst experience that I have probably ever had to go through emotionally was when other members of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and I went to Pennsylvania for their annual pigeon shooting.
· He was a modest man with an unbelievable ego.
· Scuba One members are volunteers, but that never stops them from trying to save someone’s life.
· Hemingway includes no modern terminology in A Farewell to Arms. This, of course, is due to that fact that it was not written recently.
· I am proud to be able to say that I have sustained from the use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco products.
· I’ve been a strong advocate of the abomination of drunk driving.
· If Homer’s primary view of mortal life could be expressed in a word it would be this: life is fleeting.
· Such things as divorces, separations, and annulments greatly reduce the need for adultery to be committed.
· It is rewarding to hear when some of these prisoners I have fought for are released, yet triumphant when others are executed.
· Playing the saxophone lets me develop technique and skill which will help me in the future, since I would like to become a doctor.
· However, many students would not be able to emerge from the same situation unscrewed.
· I look at each stage as a challenge, and an adventure, and as another experience on my step ladder of life.
· “Bare your cross,” something I have heard all my life.
· There was one man in particular who caught my attention. He was a tiny man with ridiculously features all of which, with the exception of his nose, seemed to drown in the mass of the delicate transparent pinkish flesh that cascaded from his forehead and flowed over the collar of his tuxedo and the edge of his bow tie.
· Take Wordsworth, for example; every one of his words is worth a hundred words.
· For almost all involved in these stories, premature burial has had a negative effect on their lives.
· I know that as we age, we tend to forget the bricklayers of our lives.
· I would like to see my own ignorance wither into enlightenment.
· Another activity I take personally is my church Youth Group.
· The outdoors is two dimensional, challenging my physical and mental capabilities.
· Going to school in your wonderfully gothic setting would be an exciting challenge.
· My mother worked hard to provide me with whatever I needed in my life, a good home, a fairly stale family and a wonderful education.
· I hope to provide in turn, a self motivated, confident, and capable individual to add to the reputation of Vasser University whose name stands up for itself. [Note: the correct spelling is Vassar].
· Filled with Victorian furniture and beautiful antique fixtures, even at that age I was amazed.
· They eagerly and happily took our bags, welcomed us in English, and quickly drove us out of the airport.
· Do I shake the hand that has always bitten me?
· In the spring, people were literally exploding outside.
· Freedom of speech is the ointment which sets us free.
· I first was exposed through a friend who attends [school].
· As an extra, we even saw Elizabeth Taylor’s home, which had a bridge attaching it to the hoe across the street.
· Under Activities: Volunteer (Retarded totor)
· Name of Activity: Cook and serve homeless
· On a transcript: AP Engllish
· Misspelled abbreviation on another transcript: COMP CRAP (computer graphics)
· Handwritten on an interview form under Academic Interests: Writting.

Lesson Two: Brainstorming a Topic

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:59:20 +0000

Introduction
Choosing an essay topic can be one of the most difficult aspects of the entire admissions process. Questions often ask you to think about your entire life, pick just one thing, and talk about it in great depth. Even the most reflective writers are left wondering: “How am I supposed to know the ONE event that has changed my life or the one thing that represents my entire personality.” In all likelihood there isn’t just one. But there probably is one that you can write about most passionately and effectively. The most important part of your entire essay is finding this one subject. Without a topic you feel passionate about, without one that brings out the defining aspects of you personality, you risk falling into the trap of sounding like the 90 percent of applicants who will write boring admissions essays. Coming up with this idea is difficult and will require a great deal of time. But whatever you do, don’t let this part stress you out. Have fun!
EXERCISE #1: BRAINSTORMING
First please complete our Brainstorming Worksheet. The worksheet is a .PDF file and requires the free Adobe Acrobat viewer. If you do not yet have the free viewer, please click here to download it.
After Completing the Worksheet…
You should now have between 25 and 75 potential essay topics. The next step is to narrow this list down to the topics that are most suited to an admissions essay. For each item listed above, answer the following questions. Some of your ideas may reveal themselves as dull, while you will find plenty to discuss for others.
For each person you have listed, ask:
* Why have I named this person?
* Do I aspire to become like this person?
* Which of this person’s traits do I admire?
* Do I aspire to become like this person?
* Which of this person’s traits do I admire?
* Is there something that this person has said that I will always remember?
* Did he or she challenge my views?
For each event in your life you have listed, ask:
* Why do I remember this particular event?
* Did it change me as a person?
* How did I react?
* Was the event a moment of epiphany, as if my eyes saw something to which they had previously been blind?
For each of your favorites and least favorites, ask:
* Why is this a favorite or least favorite?
* Has this thing influenced my life in a meaningful way?
For each failure, ask:
* What if anything did I learn from this failure?
* What if anything good came out of this failure?
For each of the personal characteristics or skills you have listed, ask:
* Does it distinguish me from others I know?
* How did I develop this attribute?
For each of the activities you have listed, ask:
* What made me join this activity?
* What made me continue to contribute to it?
In answering these questions, you will probably find that you have a great deal to talk about, at least for five to seven topics. You must now confront the underlying problem of the admissions essay: find the one topic that will allow you to synthesize your important personal characteristics and experiences into a coherent whole while simultaneously addressing your desire to attend a specific institution. While most admissions essays allow great latitude in topic selection, you must also be sure to answer the questions that were asked of you. Leaving a lasting impression on someone who reads 50 to 100 essays a day will not be easy, but we have compiled some guidelines to help you get started.