Definition Essay
DEFINITION ESSAY
Definition Essay
Definition: The aim in this essay is to define, explain, and exemplify something. Generally, in definition essays, we try to make the terms that we use understandable for the reader. Our understanding of a term may be different from the general concept, or we may be focusing on a specific aspect. Giving an exact definition would enable the reader to follow the ideas and arguments in your essay. Organization: Definition of a term is generally given in the introduction. The development of the essay is dedicated to the explanation of the term. There are many ways to explain a term. It is also possible to employ more than one of these methods of development. Below are some of the types of organization that can be used. To illustrate these types of organization, the term Total Quality Management (TQM) is given as an example: Explanation of a Process: The steps involved in the implementation of TQM. Description: Examples of the kind of labor conflict that TQM is supposed to eliminate or alleviate. Comparison/Contrast: Contrasts to other management theories, demonstrating what TQM is not as well as what it is. Cause/Effect: How TQM responds to certain needs in the workplace. Narrative: Anecdotal illustration • After writing the essay, we can check to see whether the term is clearly defined or there are still vague points. Let's have a look at the organization of the sample essay "What is This Thing Called Love?" The writer has explained the term "love" by explaining first what love is not (comparison / contrast organization). Here is the analysis of the sample essay:
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Origin and history of the term "love" what love is NOT what love IS
Language: Depending on the kind of organization, you can choose certain transitions; for example, if you are showing the differences between
Copyright @ 2006 Bogazici University SFL
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DEFINITION ESSAY TQM and other management systems, you use on the other hand, whereas, etc.
Definition Essay
Definition: The aim in this essay is to define, explain, and exemplify something. Generally, in definition essays, we try to make the terms that we use understandable for the reader. Our understanding of a term may be different from the general concept, or we may be focusing on a specific aspect. Giving an exact definition would enable the reader to follow the ideas and arguments in your essay. Organization: Definition of a term is generally given in the introduction. The development of the essay is dedicated to the explanation of the term. There are many ways to explain a term. It is also possible to employ more than one of these methods of development. Below are some of the types of organization that can be used. To illustrate these types of organization, the term Total Quality Management (TQM) is given as an example: Explanation of a Process: The steps involved in the implementation of TQM. Description: Examples of the kind of labor conflict that TQM is supposed to eliminate or alleviate. Comparison/Contrast: Contrasts to other management theories, demonstrating what TQM is not as well as what it is. Cause/Effect: How TQM responds to certain needs in the workplace. Narrative: Anecdotal illustration • After writing the essay, we can check to see whether the term is clearly defined or there are still vague points. Let's have a look at the organization of the sample essay "What is This Thing Called Love?" The writer has explained the term "love" by explaining first what love is not (comparison / contrast organization). Here is the analysis of the sample essay:
• • •
Origin and history of the term "love" what love is NOT what love IS
Language: Depending on the kind of organization, you can choose certain transitions; for example, if you are showing the differences between
Copyright @ 2006 Bogazici University SFL
1 of 3
DEFINITION ESSAY TQM and other management systems, you use on the other hand, whereas, etc.