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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 Four: Style and Tone

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:59:45 +0000

Introduction
Over the years, our editors have seen some amazing stories become dreadfully boring and some ridiculously dry topics transform into an exciting read. The culprit (or hero): writing style. Witness the advice of some admissions officers:
Use a conversational style and easy-to-understand language to project a genuine, relaxed image.
Make sure that your essay is readable. Don’t make us work. Give your essay momentum-make sure that the parts work together and move to a point, carrying the reader along.
Don’t bore us. More often it is the monotonous style, and not the subject matter, that makes these essays dull.
A large majority of the corrections made by our editors fall into one of five categories: sentence variety, word choice, verb tense, transitions and essay clich?s. If you weren’t paying attention in English class, here’s a refresher…
Many students think that the longer the sentence they write, the better the sentence. This is far from the truth. You do not need long, complicated sentences to show that you are a good writer. In fact, short sentences often pack the most punch. The best essays contain a variety of sentence lengths, mixed within any given paragraph. Try reading your essay out-loud, pausing at every period. Listen to the rhythm of your prose. Are all of the sentences the same length? If each of your sentences twists and turns for an entire paragraph, or you run out of breath at any point, break them up into smaller statements. You may also want to try a more methodical approach:
EXERICISE #3: SENTENCE VARIETY
Once you have completed your essay, try labeling each sentence “short” (under 10 words), “medium” (under 20 words), or “long” (20 or more words). A nice paragraph might read something like M S M L M S. A dry essay would be S S S M L L L.