Page 374 - Wordsmith A Guide to College Writing

a subjective one because you will infuse into it your enjoyment or
dislike of the role and your attitudes toward it.

Definition Essay 2: Defining an Activity

Write a definition essay on an activity that you enjoy, such as fishing,

dance, aerobics, reading, or shopping.

Definition Essay 3: What Is a Hero?

Write an essay giving your definition of a hero.

Begin by prewriting to generate a list of the characteristics of a hero.

You will use these characteristics as a basis for your three body

paragraphs. Then, make a list of people who possess these
characteristics. These may be actual people (your sister; Dr. Martin

Luther King Jr.) or general categories (caregivers; firefighters). The

people will serve as examples in your paragraphs.

Your thesis, then, will list the characteristics of a hero, and your
paragraphs will illustrate those characteristics with specific examples.

Definition in the Real World: Job Description

Many times, people ask how writing essays will help them in the “real

world.” This real-world assignment demonstrates how writing a
definition might be used outside the classroom.

Peer Revision Checklist for Definition