First-year Comp./ Eng. 101
Inst.: Lhota
Defining Your Term(s)
Here are some helpful hints for preparing your extended definition paper:
Part 1: In the introduction, you can begin by naming the term (any from Ch. 7) to be
defined and by briefly describing any controversy surrounding it or explaining the
etymology or linguistic roots of the word. End the introduction with a thesis statement
that identifies the cultural significance and importance of the word or term you’ve chosen
to define: does it point to a particular cultural belief or attitude? Does the term and how
it’s used tell us something about our values as a culture?
Thesis examples: 1) The term ethnicity is often conflated with the term race, but they are
not always neatly interchangeable; in fact, their meaning varies according to the context
in which each is used. Or 2) How we define the term “melting pot” depends on our view
of the dominant culture into which we are encouraged to “melt.” Or: 3) The use of the
term “other” in our culture is quite complex and requires clarification if we are to
understand how it may contribute to racism and classicism.
Part 2: The body of your essay can include the standard dictionary or encyclopedic
definition(s) and synonyms of the term, a stipulation of the term in particular contexts or
its comparison to other meanings which are not as common (or with which the term is
sometimes confused), the negation of the term, and examples to illustrate its use and
meaning in popular culture. This part can be made up of several paragraphs—organized
with topic sentences which identify each paragraph’s content/ purpose.
