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The Definition Essay
A definition essay uses a precise set of criteria and specific methodology in order to define a given topic or subject. The means of doing this may well be determined by the object of definition but whether or not this is the case, the first essential task in a definition essay is to decide upon the method to be employed.
Structuring a Definition Essay
You will again be following the basic structure of an academic essay within a definition essay. However, the basic outline will contain variants which are tailored to the specific requirements of the definition essay.
Four basic structural devices are often employed in the execution of a definition essay which will help to define the methodology, though there are numerous others:
- Functional definition (which depends upon statements relating to construction and/or operation)
- Structural definition (which depends upon organisational principles)
- Analytical definition (which is depends upon comparative techniques)
- Oppositional definition (which depends upon notation of absence in order to define presence).
You should decide which of these, or another, you are to employ in your definition essay and adhere to this throughout; if you combine your methods of definition make clear distinctions between them. It is important to choose the correct/appropriate methodology or blend for the particular subject or topic which you are attempting to define as this will form the basis of your definition essay.
Writing a Definition Essay
In the introduction to a definition essay, the thesis statement is modified so that instead of being formulated from reading and deduction, it is a clear and succinct statement of what is to be defined. The introduction must also state how this is to be done (i.e. by one of the four techniques outlined above or one of the many other means of definition).
Develop the main body of the essay by means of sequential linked paragraphs, as with the usual academic essay. However, you may feel that your clarity of definition will be enhanced by the inclusion of examples and additional means of explanation. Your aim is to make your definition essay easily comprehensible, from the opening statement, via the methodology applied in the definition and expanded in the main body by the central argument.
The conclusion to your definition essay needs to re-state very clearly what you have been attempting to define throughout. You should also offer further discussion of the methodology and how appropriate and effective you consider it to have been. It is important that a definition essay should achieve the goals set out in the introduction and that the conclusion be in the ‘QED’ style. It is never wise to introduce fresh evidence in a conclusion to any academic essay but it should be particularly avoided in the definition essay. This is because you have carefully structured your main body to provide a coherent definition which fully explains the reasons behind your choice of methodology and new ideas at this stage would disrupt what has gone before.
