DEFINITION ESSAY INSTRUCTIONS:
Using the definition essays you read as examples, write a 500-word definition essay about a topic of your choice. You may consider one of the following:
• What is a hero?
• What is a good parent?
• What is an ethical choice?
Your essay will be graded on its ability to adhere to the definition essay form. Does your essay attempt to define a problematic concept? Does it add to the discussion of how people might understand the topic? What is at stake in your discussion? In other words, is there a group of people who might be vindicated by your definition? Remember that while you are writing a definition essay, you want to avoid using the dictionary itself. This is meant to be a definition that you create, not one that you copy from a source. In addition, the dictionary is never considered a strong academic source because information that comes from the dictionary and encyclopedias is considered "common knowledge."Inserting a dictionary definition into your paper indicates weak research efforts.
ALSO, keep in mind the following: Who, exactly, is your audience, and why do they need to know your definition?
You will be graded using the following categories: content, organization, grammar and style conventions, resources, references and APA formatting. Your essay will also be graded on development. See the flow chart on page 77 in Strategies for Writing Successful Research Papers for guidance. Be sure that you revise, proofread, and format your essay according to APA standards. See The CSU Citation Guide, 6th edition.