Definition Essay

Define a word in one paragraph or more, but no more than one page, double spaced.

Requirements:

1. Include an actual definition, but do not copy one from a dictionary.
2. Provide at least one synonym or comparable word(s).
3. Provide examples of your word.
4. Provide at least one antonym or examples of what your word is not.
5. Provide necessary explanatory details.
6. Consider providing a brief anecdote.
7. Begin with an engaging opening and end with a strong concluding sentence.
8. Vary sentence lengths (dramatically short, medium, complex).

(Note: I must approve the word.)

Sometimes a simple definition of an idea or a word is not sufficient to explain that word’s meaning or to engage the reader. At those times, a paragraph, or more, may be necessary. Here are a few sample definition paragraphs.

1. Horse sense is a judgment which reflects sound thinking. It is not a blind jump into a decision which may lead to ruin. Horse sense is not a hasty conclusion which prompts action, causing deep regret later. In other words, horse sense is common sense. Anyone possessing this common sense would know better than to wear bathing trunks outdoors in December. He certainly would regret this action while recuperating from pneumonia. A sensible casting machine operator will turn off his machine before he attempts to retrieve a die which has fallen into the mechanism. A thoughtful homeowener carries liability insurance to avoid being sued by someone injured on his property. These people all use horse sense or common sense in making important decisions almost everyday of their lives. We see then that horse sense or common sense often requires sound thinking.
2. A desk is a piece of furniture at which a person reads, writes or does other work; in other words, it is a miniature work environment. It customarily features legs, drawers and a top upon which one places books, writing utensils and other work-related materials. Students do their homework and study at student desks while office people perform their daily tasks at work desks. While students commonly lie on their beds when they are doing schoolwork, beds are most certainly not classified as desks. One reason is that when people are working at their desks, they sit on chairs that fit into an opening below the desktop. Desks often house private information, such as financial statements, or they may be the location for personal touches such as photos and paperweights. Frequently made of wood, desks are also produced from metal or even plastic. If used properly, a desk is an unbeatable work and study tool.
3. The key point about a demonstration is that it must be seen. If a person demonstrates privately in his own home, this is not technically a demonstration but merely “acting silly” or “behaving like an ass.” A fine example of a demonstration was the Boston Tea Party, where outraged Americans disguised as Indians dumped British tea into the harbor. Later, Indians disguised as outraged Americans dumped actual British into the harbor. Following that, the British disguised as tea dumped each other into the harbor. Finally German mercenaries clad only in costumes from The Trojan Women leapt into the harbor for no apparent reason. (Woody Allen)
4. Yes!

     The Big Wheel goes round and round and comes to an abrupt halt, while young children scream in glee. Wandering men on stilts step over people and the smell of cotton candy is in the air. A little girl skips out of the crowd and pounces on her mother.
     “Mommy, Mommy! May I have a quarter so I can go on the elephant ride? Please, please, please! May I? Say yes! Please:” The mother reluctantly consents and the little girl blissfully runs off to join her friends.
     Yes is a word used to express agreement, consent, affirmation or confirmation. It is the opposite of no. This word, yes, is on a thousand lips and spoken by a thousand tongues everyday. Yes can grant happiness and is a reminder of a time of childlike innocence. Yes is also a word to use with caution, for a child can be spoiled and people can be overloaded with hopes and dreams.
     The way yes can be used can imply many more meanings than just a simple consent. It can be thrown out of the mouth as though it is distasteful, or it can be a sign of simple pleasure. Oui and Si are too quick to savor; they are out of the mouth before thought or serious contemplation. Yeah is friendly and warm, but conveys none of the simple elegance of yes.
     “Yes,” the teacher says, “that is correct.” I am smiling but inside I feel like jumping for joy. For weeks I could not master algebraic equations, but, with the help of my teacher, I’ve finally come to understand them. My shining moment comes when I give the right answer in class, and, before, all I could do was humiliate myself. When my teacher states my correctness, I feel the simple joy of yes that no other word can produce.
     Yes can be used a thousand times in one conversation, without anyone ever knowing its significance. Without yes we cannot communicate and convey information. One single word, yes, can mend broken hearts and uplift spirits. The affirmative to so many of my unanswered questions: will I graduate…will I find happiness…Will I get an A on this paper?