Informative/ Definition Essays

How would you explain the relationship between and among these people?

What is a definition/ information essay?Way of explaining a term,

relationship, or idea that might be unfamiliar to the intended audience.◦You may define a term (gaming

addiction)◦Thing (perfume pills)◦Relationship (how businesses are

utilizing virtual world technology)◦Idea/ Philosophy (Ethics of using

drone technology in the military)

PurposeInform

◦ the audience about something they do not already understand

Persuade◦Your audience of the importance of your topic/ idea/ etc.

Extended DefinitionsDefine the term/ idea/ object/ philosophy

itself◦ Fork◦ Dalmatian

The class to which it belongs◦ Utensil◦ Breed of dog

Distinguishing Characteristics◦ Two or more prongs◦ Used for eating or serving food◦ Originated in Dalmatia◦ Has short, smooth coat with black or dark brown

spots

An Extended Definition is Specific and FocusedFocus on a specific term, idea,

relationship, or objectDiscuss that one thing in great

detailRelate it to the audience using

description and illustration

It Makes A Point- ThesisThesis usually includes a brief

definition of the term and why it is worth reading about.◦Use of drones, or unmanned aircraft

used by the military for espionage or attacking purposes by the military, is a highly unethical.

◦The act of giving students computers which can be taken home is a practice that only distracts students from their classwork.

Use other Patterns of Development to ClarifyNarrate Illustrate- use stories and examplesProcess- How it worksCompare and Contrast- define what

it is and what it is notClassify it into a categoryDivide- show all of its partsCause and EffectArgue its value or ethics

Sufficient Distinguishing Characteristics and DetailsUse Vivid LanguageMake the Reader Fully Understand

what the term isMention many characteristics of

what the term isAddress misconceptions so the

reader can distinguish it from similar ideas◦How online college classes are

different from on campus classes

Writing the Essay- Prewriting1. Read Information2. Generate Ideas3. Narrow the topic to a specific term4. Find specific information and examples

1. Brainstorm with a friend

5. Consider your purpose6. Audience7. Point of View8. Identify Distinguishing Characteristics

and supporting Details

Thesis and OrganizingDevelop a working thesis

statement◦Briefly defines term and tells why it

is importantEvaluate your ideas

◦Do you have enough information◦Facts, descriptions, expert testimony

Decide on the reader’s journey◦What order should you present

information◦Outline it all

Writing the DraftInclude enough details and informationConsider including history or etymology

of the term- where it came from Use transitionsWrite an effective introduction

◦Get the reader’s attention◦Make sure the thesis is complex enough to

be discussed for the entire paperWrite a Conclusive Conclusion

◦Reinforce the thesis◦Draw essay to a satisfying close

Re-VisionConcentrate on ideas and organization

◦This improves grades by letters◦Grammar and spelling improves grades by

+Think of other terms/ ideas that could

be defined by your essay◦If there is one, you must change something

Exceptions◦How do you deal with what does not “fit”

your defintion?

Edit and ProofreadOnly do this after a well revised

essay as been madeCUPS (Capitalization, Usage,

Punctuation, Spelling)Improve wording and

awkwardnessCheck In-text Citations and Works

CitedDouble check formatting etc. on

turnitin and Word