Definition

In class we defined definition as something that limits; to define literally means "to make definite."  That is the purpose of definition in any essay, to set the limits of your terms so that your readers are not confused by ambiguities inherent in the language or your use of the language.  We also looked at three types of definitions: formal, operational, and example-based. 

If you recall, formal definitions are descriptions of what something is, as seen in dictionaries and the openings of wikipedia entries.  The operational was a standardized definition, usually agreed upon by a community of those with a vested interest in setting a quantitative limit for some concept that was otherwise subject to debate; we looked at binge drinking as this example: 4-5 drinks at a go for a man, 3-4 drinks for a woman, and as agreed by people who write studies on these things.  You will most likely not need operational definitions until you get to your research project.  Lastly, we looked at definition by example.  What is bravery?  A formal definition is almost useless here because it always brings up terms that themselves must be defined.  An operational definition is silly, because there is no theoretical standard for bravery: e.g., save this many cats from trees and you are brave; however, a definition by example allows us to define bravery as "running into a burning building to save a baby."  That is an example of bravery, and thus helps define it.   

Definition by example is the meat of your definition essay.  A definition essay, by its nature, is an argument for limiting a concept in a certain way by providing examples that support your definition.  It's also a way of creating a somewhat formal definition for a concept in your thesis statement.  Again, with our bravery example, we set up the following definition:

Bravery is an act that puts others above the self, ignores the weight of our fears, and exists in pursuit of the right thing.

This can be used in two ways.  It can either be a thesis on its own, in which case you would find many examples to support this definition -- remember: the more examples the better -- or it can be the basis for proving that an example fits your definition, in which case you have to do double duty of showing that your example fits this definition and defending the definition with support.

Superman is brave because he puts others before himself, ingnores the weight of his own fears, and lives in pursuit of the right thing.

So what kind of examples can be used for a definition essay?  Two kind work best here: specific, real world examples and textual support from your reading.  Real world examples show that your definition exists in the world.  Textual support shows that there is concensus for your ideas.

Finally, your essay must have some kind of organization.  The following outline is a recommendation, and is not required.  Bear in mind, however, that organization is going to be a huge part of the essay grade.

Definition Essay: recommended outline

1. Introduction
   • Background and Thesis
2. Criterion 1
   • Define Criterion 1
     • Support using specifics
     • Define Sub Criterion 1
     • Define Sub Criterion 2
   • Support Sub Criterion 1
   • Support Sub Criterion 2 
3. Criterion 2
   • Define Criterion 2
     • Support using specifics
     • Define Sub Criterion 1
     • Define Sub Criterion 2
   • Support Sub Criterion 1
   • Support Sub Criterion 2 
4. Criterion 3
   • Define Criterion 3
     • Support using specifics
     • Define Sub Criterion 1
     • Define Sub Criterion 2
   • Support Sub Criterion 1
   • Support Sub Criterion 2 
5. Conclusion
   • Summation Paragraph
     • Summarize first two criteria and mention third
     • Briefly address any objections to your definition
     • Mention where you think the definition of family will go in the next ten years. 

Thus, you have an essay.  Remember to use examples from the world (television shows) and your reading to support your definition.  How much support?  As much as you can find.  Right now I would rather you have too much and need to cut back than have too little.  Also, if you find the texts as they are inadequate to the task of supporting your definition, you are free to find other texts.  Since we have yet to cover MLA format, though, I do not expect a works cited list just yet.  I do expect you to post any outside sources, with links, as a comment to the previous post in which I gave you more references.  That way we're all sharing.

Best of luck.