Module 4. THE DEFINITION ESSAY How can different perspectives and premises lead to different definitions? What does definition mean and how can I write a 1000-word definition? Definition = Oxford dictionary states: “An exact statement or description of the nature, scope, or meaning of something” Nature of something = what it is like and what it is not like Scope of something = how big it is or how far it goes Meaning of something = the category it fits in and what makes it significant How can I write a 1000-word definition essay? The dictionary definition is usually just the basic category. We look up a word in the dictionary to get a simple idea of the category it fits into. For example, if I look up “faith” in the Cambridge dictionary, it says: • “great trust or confidence in something or someone” • “a particular religion” • “strong belief in God or a particular religion” This just gives me the very basic idea. It does not answer the nature, scope, and significance of the concept of faith. An essay can help me to explore the concept and truly come to understand it. Perspective We can come to understand a concept from different perspectives. Let’s look at the word “faith.” What does having faith refer to if I’m talking about business? What if I am talking about my sense of myself? What if I am talking about my society and culture? What if I am talking about religion? When you are defining a concept, first ask yourself about the origin or source of the concept. In other words, where does it come from or what causes it? For example, where does faith come from? Is it from the physical environment around me? Is it a gift of God? Is it something my mind creates? Some kind of emotion? Or is my ability to have faith somehow biological? Or maybe it is a combination of all four quadrants. RUAH (a Hebrew word meaning “spirit” or “breath”) When you are defining a concept, first ask yourself about the origin or source of the concept. In other words, where does it come from? For example, where does happiness come from? Is it a physical feeling? Is it a gift of God? Is it something we create with our own minds? Or is it in our biological make-up? Or maybe it is a combination of all four quadrants. Writing the Definition Essay Introduction: Usually, the introduction is short (3-4 sentences). Start with a simple hook – a quote (famous quote, biblical quote, popular quote), a symbol, an image, what often comes to mind in association with the word you are going to define. Then follow the general introduction pattern (Introductory sentence + Topic sentence + Thesis) Thesis statement (formal definition) Term + its class/category + differentiation (what makes it unique in that category) Note: For the class/category, consider your perspective and see the graph on the previous page. Grammar you need for this: Noun + be + article + noun + adjective clause (that, which, who, when, where) Here are some examples: Faith is a mindset tha ...

1. Module 4.
THE DEFINITION ESSAY
How can different perspectives and premises lead to different
definitions?
What does definition mean and how can I write a 1000-word
definition?
Definition = Oxford dictionary states: “An exact statement or
description of the nature, scope, or meaning of something”
Nature of something = what it is like and what it is not like
Scope of something = how big it is or how far it goes
Meaning of something = the category it fits in and what makes
it significant
How can I write a 1000-word definition essay?
The dictionary definition is usually just the basic category. We
look up a word in the dictionary to get a simple idea of the
category it fits into.
For example, if I look up “faith” in the Cambridge dictionary, it
says:
• “great trust or confidence in something or someone”
• “a particular religion”
• “strong belief in God or a particular religion”
This just gives me the very basic idea. It does not answer the
nature, scope, and significance of the concept of faith. An essay
can help me to explore the concept and truly come to understand
it.
Perspective
We can come to understand a concept from different
perspectives. Let’s look at the word “faith.”
What does having faith refer to if I’m talking about business?
What if I am talking about my sense of myself? What if I am
talking about my society and culture? What if I am talking

2. about religion?
When you are defining a concept, first ask yourself about the
origin or source of the concept. In other words, where does it
come from or what causes it? For example, where does faith
come from? Is it from the physical environment around me? Is
it a gift of God? Is it something my mind creates? Some kind
of emotion? Or is my ability to have faith somehow biological?
Or maybe it is a combination of all four quadrants.
RUAH (a Hebrew word meaning “spirit” or “breath”)
When you are defining a concept, first ask yourself about the
origin or source of the concept. In other words, where does it
come from? For example, where does happiness come from? Is
it a physical feeling? Is it a gift of God? Is it something we
create with our own minds? Or is it in our biological make-up?
Or maybe it is a combination of all four quadrants.
Writing the Definition Essay
Introduction:
Usually, the introduction is short (3-4 sentences). Start with a
simple hook – a quote (famous quote, biblical quote, popular
quote), a symbol, an image, what often comes to mind in
association with the word you are going to define. Then follow
the general introduction pattern (Introductory sentence + Topic
sentence + Thesis)
Thesis statement (formal definition)
Term + its class/category + differentiation (what makes it
unique in that category)
Note: For the class/category, consider your perspective and see
the graph on the previous page.
Grammar you need for this:
Noun + be + article + noun + adjective clause (that, which, who,
when, where)

3. Here are some examples:
Faith is a mindset that leads to well-being and a more peaceful
life.
Faith is a spiritual practice that requires the experience of
suffering.
Faith is an executive function that requires healthy brain
development.
Thesis Statement (detailed)
Follow the structure for the basic definition:
Term + be + category (RUAH) + that/which + differentiation +
through the following methods of definition: roadmap
(indication of your assertions methods of definition)
Example:
Biblical love is God’s wisdom that provides a guide for whole,
healthy living both on earth and in heaven through the
following methods: comparison, function, and analogy.
Writing expressions of RUAH into a thesis

4. If heart…
(Term) is an emotional condition that/which…
…is a psychological state that/which...
If strength…
(Term) is a physical condition that/which…
…is an experiential state that/which…
…is a scientific idea that/which…
If mind…
(Term) is a human construct that/which…
….is a system of _________ that/which…
If soul…
(Term) is a spiritual condition…
*If Christian/religious
(Term) is a _____ from God that/which
… is God’s ________ that/which
Differentiation (Thesis key word):
The differentiation should be one word that unifies and
interprets the evidence and methods used in the essay. This can
be a word you think of on your own, or a word/idea that you
have discovered in your research that is commonly associated
with the term. (i.e. in the example above, “guide for living” is
the differentiation). Use this key word accurately (i.e. use the
same word/expression in the thesis and the assertion/connection
sentences of the body paragraphs)
Roadmap (Assertion key words):
4 (or more) methods listed in the course pack should be chosen
that reflect the evidence used in the paragraph (i.e. Historical
origin, comparison/contrast, function, examples, etc.). Use the
key words accurately (i.e. what appears in the course pack
should be what appears in the road map and in the
assertion/connection sentences)

5. Expand the Definition
Choose one or more ways to continue the definition. One clear
organizational choice is to write with one method per
paragraph.
• Contrast (what it is NOT or how it is different from other
things)
• Comparison (how it is similar to other things; synonyms)
• Characteristics or qualities
• Historical origin
• Analogy
• Appearance (what it looks like)
• Process (HOW it works)
• Causes and/or effects
• Connotation (associations and emotions)
• Functions (what it does; why it is important)
• Examples
Another good option is to use the WH Questions (Who, What,
When, Where, Why, How). With this option, you can write a
paragraph about “what” it is, another about “how” it functions,
and another about “when and where.”
For my essay on “faith,” I could decide to define it by:
• The historical understanding of faith from the Bible
• How faith is misunderstood in modern culture
• A story of a person whose faith grew through hardship
Body Paragraph Structure
1. Make an assertion of your specific point. This should
reveal the method of definition for your paragraph.
2. Explain more in your own words.
3. Offer your general evidence (such as a quotation or
background information).
4. Explain the meaning of the evidence. Connect it to the key
words in your paragraph and thesis.
5. Give more specific evidence.

6. 6. Explain the meaning of the evidence and…
7. Conclude.
Sample Body Paragraph:
The ancient Old Testament origins of the concept of faith
focus on a sense of safety and security. In other words, people
need to choose faith because their lives are sometimes unsafe
and insecure. In his explanation of faith, theologian H.L.
Schwartz (1996) says, “security that is a result of a trusting
relationship with God is most important. It can be combined
with the fear of the Lord and obedience to his Word so that the
one who walks in the dark is encouraged to ‘trust in the name of
the Lord and rely on his God (Isa 50:10).” Faith, then, requires
actions such as seeking a relationship with God, obeying God,
and relying on God. These actions are not easy, and they are in
the context of “walking in the dark.” Faith, then, deepens when
we experience difficulty. In Matthew 6, we read of numerous
miracles of Jesus. In all cases, there is a serious crisis, but Jesus
recognizes that in their crisis, these people have faith, and he
heals them. Then, Jesus and his disciples go out on the lake in a
boat, and a violent storm blows in. “The disciples went and
woke him up. They said, ‘Lord! Save us! We’re going to
drown!’ He replied, ‘Your faith is so small! Why are you so
afraid? Then Jesus got up and ordered the winds and the waves
to stop. It became completely calm (Matthew 6:23-26). In this
situation, we can see that the opposite of faith is fear.
Therefore, the Bible reveals that having faith is a choice during
times of fear and trouble, even when it seems hopeless.
Definition Body Paragraph Pattern (Detailed)
Please follow this pattern for the definition essay which is
closely related to the general body paragraph pattern.
Assertion: State what the paragraph will discuss/prove with the
main key word from the thesis (your differentiation) and an
assertion key word from the roadmap (one method of definition

7. that supports the differentiation and matches the evidence used).
Transition word/phrase (In more detail, More specifically, In
other words)
Explanation: Explain the assertion in more detail, focusing on
the method of definition
Transition word/phrase (In the book of, As ________(biblical
author) records/writes)
Evidence: Biblical evidence (more general than below, if
applicable) make sure to introduce with sufficient context (at
least author/book/context of the passage), “quote” cite (Book
Chapter: Verse(s) + Translation for first citation).
Transition word/phrase (Clearly, This indicates that, It is clear
that, In other words, With this in mind, Considering this,)
Discussion: Explain in your own words how the evidence
supports/proves the assertion/thesis. Can be more than one
sentence.
Transition word/phrase (In addition, Moreover, or In
comparison/contrast or For example/For instance) + (The book
of _____ states, As_______ (biblical author) records/writes)
Evidence: More biblical evidence (more specific than above, if
applicable), OR evidence from an authoritative/credible source
(required for comparison/contrast paragraphs) make sure to
introduce with sufficient context, paraphrase or “quote” cite
(Book Chapter: Verse(s)).
Transition word/phrase (Clearly, This
suggests/reveals/means/highlights that, For this reason, With
this in mind,)
Discussion: Explain in your own words how the evidence proves
the assertion/thesis/evidence above. Can/should be more than
one sentence.

8. Transition word/phrase
(Therefore,/Thus,/Hence,/Consequently,)
Connection sentence: Using key word (academic concept/word)
from the thesis (differentiation) and the key word (aspect of the
academic concept/word) from the roadmap (method of
definition) (same key words from the assertion), summarize in
one sentence how the paragraph proved the assertion/thesis
Another example:
The appearance of the Latin cross is the most familiar and
widely recognized symbol of Christianity today. In more detail,
it was most likely the shape of the structure upon which Jesus
Christ was crucified. In the gospel account of Matthew, he
describes the trip to Jesus’ execution, “As they were going out,
they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him
to carry the cross” (Matt 27:32 NIV). The story continues to tell
how Jesus was nailed to the cross and hung up along with two
other criminals. Clearly, the shape of the cross was significant
because it visually indicated the end of Jesus’ human life, which
would have greatly impacted his followers. Though various
forms of the cross existed, the Latin cross was made of two
pieces of wood crossed to create four right angles. The Roman
Catholic depictions of the cross often reveal the body of Christ
still on the cross (Citation). This is known as the crucifix and
brings emphasis to the sacrifice and suffering of Christ.
Protestant churches tend to portray the empty cross,
emphasizing the resurrected, risen Christ. As Matthew also
records, followers of Christianity identify with the cross
through the words of Jesus, “anyone who does not take his cross

9. and follow me is not worthy of me” (Matt 10:38). With this in
mind, the appearance of the cross represents a Christian’s
understanding and acceptance of suffering in life, and the cross
today represents Christ's victory over sin and death through the
sacrifice of his own body on the cross. Therefore, the
appearance of the cross is significant because Christians wear
the cross as a symbol that they are “following” Jesus.
Introducing Scriptural Evidence with Context
Book:
Always include the title of the book as context (do not write
“As the Bible states/writes”, etc.)
Example:
• In the book of Genesis,
• As is written in the book of Deuteronomy,
+ Author:
If the author is known, include their name (and title if
available)
Example:
• In the book of Revelation, the author John states…
• In the book of Romans, the apostle Paul writes…
• In the book of Matthew, he records (he implies that the
author of Matthew is Matthew)
If there is no author for the book, write that the author is
“unknown”
Example:
• In the book of Hebrews, the author who is unknown,
writes…
• The book of Job, whose author is unknown, records…
If the author is disputed or debated (the scholars are not sure

10. who the author is, but there may be a traditionally accepted
author for the book)
Example:
• According to the book of 1 Kings, whose author is
debated,
• The book of Genesis, whose author is disputed but
traditionally/historically believed to be Moses,
+ Context:
The best introduction for scriptural evidence is book + author +
context. In this case, context refers to where the passage
(verse) used as evidence fits in the larger section of text it is a
part of.
Example:
• In the book of Genesis, whose author is disputed but
traditionally believed to be Moses, God speaks to Moses from a
burning bush saying: “Quote”
• The book of Matthew, written by the disciple Matthew,
records Jesus’ speaking to the Jews about love, “Quote”
Organization
Follow the deductive pattern. However, you do not need a
separate A=B paragraph (background) for this essay because the
whole essay is definition. Instead, start your body paragraphs
with a more general or foundational definition. It is common to
start with a paragraph about the historical background or
linguistic origin of the word and then go into other ways of
defining in the following paragraphs. If you plan to use
contrast, we often place this second. If you plan to write one
paragraph using examples, since examples are very specific,
place this paragraph last. These are not rules but common
practices.
Conclusion
Return to the definition that you started with but now, add to it.
Rewrite the definition more specifically or with new insight.

11. Your concluding paragraph will be short (approximately 3-5
sentences).
Further Considerations
Kinds of Evidence
You can use any kind of evidence for a definition essay.
However, consider the discipline you are writing for. If you are
writing a definition essay for a biology course, what kind of
evidence counts? If you are writing for a history class, what
kind of evidence counts? If the assignment asks you for your
own thoughts, then you can use your personal experiences.
Otherwise, this is a formal paper and your personal experiences
do not fit.
Research and documentation
Always read your professor’s instructions. Your professor might
want you to write a definition essay that is also a research
paper. Or you might write a definition based on your lectures
and textbook. Or you might write a definition that does not use
research but just your own thoughts.
Remember that any time you get ideas, information,
background, or sentences from a source, you need to give your
citation and reference.
Academic Tone
Definition essays are usually formal, so avoid using I/me/my.
As always, avoid using “you” as well as slang, idioms, or
informal language of any kind. Use proper sentence structures.
Cultural and Linguistic Comparisons
Definition essays provide a perfect opportunity to contribute
your culture, religion and language to the discussion. Consider
writing a comparison or contrast. For example, for our topic on
faith, you might explain what words your language has that are
similar. You might offer proverbs and teachings from your
culture, or you might tell a story (true or fictional) about a
person who demonstrates faith in your culture.

12. Definition Essay Assignment
Choose ONE term from the list below. Write a 3-4 page essay
(APA format) to define the term using the Bible as the primary
source of evidence. The essay should include an introduction, 1
body paragraph based on the example story below, and a
conclusion.
You can use additional sources (make sure they are
authoritative/credible) to help you understand the term. Make
sure to include citations for these sources if you use ideas from
them in the discussion sections of your body paragraphs.
A reference for the Bible is NOT necessary (i.e. if the Bible is
your only source of evidence, no References page needed).
TERMS
(Choose only one term, and the choice must come from the list
below or have instructor approval. Essays about terms other
than on the list below without approval will not receive a
grade):
Grace (Example Story: Laborers in the Vineyard, Matthew
Chapter 20:1-16)
Peace (Example Story: The Sermon on the Mount, Matthew
Chapter 5)
Repentance (Example Story: Jonah and the city of Nineveh,
Jonah Chapter 1:1-2 & Jonah Chapter 3 & 4)
Resurrection (Example Story The Crucifixion and Resurrection
of Jesus, Luke Chapter 22-24)
Idolatry (Example Story: The Golden Calf Exodus Chapter, 32)
Mercy (Example Story: The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant,
Matthew Chapter 18: 23-35)
Heaven (Example Story: A New Heaven and Earth, Revelation
Chapter 21)
Defining with Biblical Passages Worksheet (Methods of
Definition)

13. In the definition essay, there are a number of different ways in
which we can use biblical passages to illustrate and illuminate
our definitions. The following will outline the different
methods of definition with examples using the topic of biblical
justice. These methods can be used to guide entire paragraphs
or as useful ways to discuss the evidence used.
1. Contrast/Comparison: How the biblical definition is similar
(comparison) or different (contrast) to other ways in which the
word is defined.
Ways I can use this in my essay:
· Please use the key word accurately. Comparison means
similar, contrast means different!
· There are a number of different ways you can compare
contrast. Some of the more common include:
· Biblical vs Other Religion such as Buddhism or Islam, etc.
(You must use evidence from the other religion, either from
their religious text or an authority in the religion, to support the
comparison or contrast)
· Biblical vs Secular (You must at least use a dictionary
definition as evidence of the secular to support the comparison
or contrast)
· Biblical vs Other Culture such as Canadian culture or Chinese
culture, etc. (You must have credible or authoritative evidence
from the other culture to support the comparison or contrast)
2. Characteristics or Qualities: Demonstrating the different
attributes or aspects that characterize the word defined (i.e.
What “humanizes” the concept).

14. Ways I can use this in my essay:
3. Historical Origin: Exploring a word in regards to its history,
and how its meaning might have changed through the years,
may help to illustrate your definition.
Ways I can use this in my essay:
· In this essay, please compare or contrast Old Testament
Evidence with New Testament Evidence. Does the concept
appear to change from Old to New? Or did it stay the same?
Both are meaningful in their own way.
· Don’t forget to use the assertion key word historical origin for
this paragraph. Make sure the evidence comes from the Old
AND New Testaments
4. Analogy: Drawing similarities between things that are
otherwise dissimilar.
Ways I can use this in my essay:
· For this essay, please create your own analogy and then
compare/contrast it (in the discussion section of the body
paragraph) to an analogy about your term that you discovered in
your research (Biblical Evidence).
5. Appearance: Demonstrating what the word looks like using
images, symbols, and examples.
Ways I can use this in my essay:
· The evidence for this paragraph should include clear mental
“pictures” or visual imagery from the Bible. The discussion
should focus on how the images prove your differentiation.

15. 6. Process: Demonstrating how the word might work with
detailed explanation and examples.
Ways I can use this in my essay:
· For this essay, the discussion and evidence should include
clear “steps” (i.e. use the transition words “First, Second,
Third”). It is important to follow the paragraph pattern in this
situation, so you must choose your main evidence carefully.
7. Connotation: Demonstrating the association of secondary
meanings to the word being defined.
Ways I can use this in my essay:
· Connotation refers to co-related ideas that are associated with
the word that are not the differentiation. For instance, the term
“justice” often connotes police, crime, jail, anger, judges, the
court system, revenge, forgiveness, etc. None of those terms
explains what justice is, but they are common thoughts/ideas
that come up when one thinks of the term.
8. Causes/Effects: Explaining how the term begins an
action/phenomenon/condition (cause) or the results of the term
(effect).
Ways I can use this in my essay:
9. Functions: Explaining the purpose of the defined term.
Ways I can use this in my essay:
10. Examples: Sharing a few of the more significant
people/stories that help explain the term.
Ways I can use this in my essay:

16. · In this essay, using an example could be done in two ways.
First, using one example from the Bible, provide two pieces of
evidence that demonstrate the differentiation. Alternatively, you
could use two examples from the Bible that have a close
relationship to the differentiation. In this case, only quote the
most meaningful line from the story, introduced with concise
context to support your differentiation.
· Because your paragraph cannot exceed one page in writing,
DO NOT retell the story in the paragraph. Instead, give only
sufficient context from the story, including a quotation, to
support your differentiation. It is much more important to
DISCUSS how the example supports your differentiation than to
summarize what the story is about.
Method Definition
1 Historical Origin Exploring a word in regards to its history,
and how its meaning might have changed through the years,
may help to illustrate your
definition.
In this essay, please compare or contrast Old Testament
Evidence with New Testament Evidence
2 Comparison/ Contrast How the biblical definition is similar
(comparison) or different (contrast) to other ways in which the
word is defined.
3 Function Explaining the purpose of the defined term
4 Cause/Effect Explaining how the term begins an
action/phenomenon/condition (cause) or the results of the term

17. (effect).
5 Characteristics/qualiti
es
Demonstrating the different attributes or aspects that
characterize the word defined.
6 Appearance Demonstrating what the word looks like using
images, symbols, and examples
7 Analogy Drawing similarities between things that are
otherwise dissimilar.
For this essay, please create your own analogy and then
compare/contrast it (in the discussion section of the body
paragraph) to an
analogy about your term that you discovered in your research
(Biblical Evidence).
8 Connotation Demonstrating the association of secondary
meanings or emotions to the word being defined
9 Process Demonstrating how the word might work with
detailed explanation and examples.
For this essay, the discussion and evidence should include clear
“steps” (i.e. use the transition words “First, Second, Third”). It
is
important to follow the paragraph pattern in this situation, so
you must choose your main evidence carefully.
10 *Examples
(always be the last one
paragraph)
Sharing a few of the more significant people/stories that help
explain the term.

18. In this essay, using an example could be done in two ways.
First, using one example from the Bible, provide two pieces of
evidence
that demonstrate the differentiation. Alternatively, you could
use two examples from the Bible that have a close relationship
to the
differentiation. In this case, only quote the most meaningful
line from the story, introduced with concise context to support
your
differentiation.
Because your paragraph cannot exceed one page in writing, DO
NOT retell the story in the paragraph. Instead, give only
sufficient
context from the story, including a quotation, to support your
differentiation. It is much more important to DISCUSS how the
example
supports your differentiation than to summarize what the story
is about.
Method Definition
1 Historical Origin
Exploring a word in regards to its history, and how its meaning
might have changed through the years, may help to illustrate
your
definition.
In this essay, please compare or contrast Old Testament
Evidence with New Testament Evidence
2 Comparison/ Contrast How the biblical definition is similar
(comparison) or different (contrast) to other ways in which the
word is defined.
3 Function Explaining the purpose of the defined term
4 Cause/Effect Explaining how the term begins an

19. action/phenomenon/condition (cause) or the results of the term
(effect).
5 Characteristics/qualiti
es
Demonstrating the different attributes or aspects that
characterize the word defined.
6 Appearance Demonstrating what the word looks like using
images, symbols, and examples
7 Analogy Drawing similarities between things that are
otherwise dissimilar.
For this essay, please create your own analogy and then
compare/contrast it (in the discussion section of the body
paragraph) to an
analogy about your term that you discovered in your research
(Biblical Evidence).
8 Connotation Demonstrating the association of secondary
meanings or emotions to the word being defined
9 Process Demonstrating how the word might work with
detailed explanation and examples.
For this essay, the discussion and evidence should include clear
“steps” (i.e. use the transition words “First, Second, Third”). It
is
important to follow the paragraph pattern in this situation, so
you must choose your main evidence carefully.
10 *Examples
(always be the last one
paragraph)
Sharing a few of the more significant people/stories that help
explain the term.
In this essay, using an example could be done in two ways.
First, using one example from the Bible, provide two pieces of
evidence
that demonstrate the differentiation. Alternatively, you could
use two examples from the Bible that have a close relationship
to the
differentiation. In this case, only quote the most meaningful

20. line from the story, introduced with concise context to support
your
differentiation.
Because your paragraph cannot exceed one page in writing, DO
NOT retell the story in the paragraph. Instead, give only
sufficient
context from the story, including a quotation, to support your
differentiation. It is much more important to DISCUSS how the
example
supports your differentiation than to summarize what the story
is about.
Methods of Definition
Biblical Deceit Explains Wickedness
HOOK needed here. INTRODUCTORY sentence needed here.
TOPIC sentence needed here. Biblical deceit is an emotional
condition that God’s heart wishes to change for human’s
wickedness in many forms through the following methods:
comparison, characteristics and examples.
Both the biblical deceit and the secular social deceit by
comparison express an expectation of changing human’s
wickedness. In other words, both definitions represent an
aversion to deception. In the Book of Psalms, the author King
David states the form of deceit in the mouths of the wicked.
“For people who are wicked and deceitful have opened their
mouths against me; they have spoken against me with lying
tongues” (Psalm 109:2 NIV). This indicates that deceit is an
unfriendly and hurtful behavior towards others, which builds
their own desire on others pain. People whose habits are
deceptive have lost the ability to consider the feelings of others.
Thus, the Bible mentions Christians to change their wickedness
by describing the evils of deceit. In comparison, in the secular
society, the dictionary has described “deceit as dishonest
behavior that is meant to fool or trick someone” (Deceit, n. d.).

21. It is clear that deceit is the action of telling dishonest
information and playing with others' trust in them. At the same
time, using deceitful behavior to hurt others in order to meet
their own interests. The significance of people living in this
society does not lie in such improper behavior, but in order to
develop their own talents and build a more harmonious and just
society, avoid deceit is necessary. Therefore, exhorting the
world to avoid or change this deceit behavior of wickedness is
the same as what God intended in the Bible.
Biblical deceit reveals changing human’s wickedness in many
forms through characteristics. More specifically, deceit does not
primarily represent untruthful behavior, it's more of an
expression of evil being purposeful and attractive. In the book
of Proverbs, the author Solomon states considering the advice
of the wicked carefully, “The plans of the righteous are just, but
the advice of the wicked is deceitful” (Proverbs 12:5 NIV). This
indicates that deceptive behavior is an evil habit, same as real
behavior is belong to justice. On the other hand, the followers
of God lie is not just about hiding the truth, it is likely to hide a
bigger plan. God's followers have more or fewer actions of
deceit, and the reason for deceit is to achieve a certain purpose.
For example, Nazis in order to destroy the Jews, they lied that
some of the Christian children were killed by Jews. Thus, God
wants to mention the followers should beware of suggestion
from the wicked. Moreover, in the book of Hebrews the author,
who is unknown, writes do not be attracted by deception, “But
encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so
that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness”
(Hebrews 3:13 NIV). With is in mind, God hopes Christians to
help each other, surrounded by justice to prevent being attracted
by deceit and becomes to the evil side. The reason why deceit is
hard to see is because it is very charming, and the biggest
attraction is that it can easily achieve a certain purpose. At the
same time, the encouragement of others is the most influential.
Therefore, purposeful and attractive are the most obvious

22. characteristics of biblical deceit in the way to change the
wickedness of human.
In the way of changing human’s wickedness, the Biblical deceit
demonstrates the ugliness of evil through examples. In more
detail, the greatest effect of deceit is the ability to hide one's
inner love and express only evil. The Book of Genesis, whose
author is disputed but traditionally believed to be Moses, writes
about Cain hiding the fact that he killed Abel, “Then the LORD
said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I don’t know,” he
replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?”” (Genesis 4:9 NIV).
Considering this, deceit would have been with Cain for the rest
of his life until he realized his sin. In fact, he had a chance to
change his wickedness when the Lord asked about Abel.
However, deceit is selfish, in order to hide his own behavior,
there is no expression of remorse. The Book of Genesis states
God wanted Cain to understand about his sin, ‘“If you do what
is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is
right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but
you must rule over it.”’ (Genesis 4:7 NIV). This highlights that
when people become wicked, they will automatically have more
deceit behavior with greater sin. Moreover, the thoughts of the
heart will become evil, Cain believed that all people would treat
him in the same way he did. Imagine this, if the world were full
of evil deceit and treated each other in the most negative way,
the society would be darker. However, God believes that love
exists in the heart of Christians and he does not want it to be
covered by deceit. Therefore, the desire and sincere expectation
of God is to develop this secular society and make it full of
love, change the habit of deceit is to discover the love not
hidden by wickedness.
In conclusion, deceit is not only an act of hiding the truth, but it
is also enough to change intrinsic values and qualities in any
person. Honesty is the most basic condition to build a
relationship between people. Therefore, it is significant to

23. change the wickedness deceitful behaviors, only deliver more
love and honesty behaviors can make the secular society
brighter.
References
Deceit. (n. d.). In Merriam Webster Learner’s Dictionary.
Retrieved from http://learnersdictionary.com/definition/deceit
WRTG 101 Definition Essay Rubric
A. Formatting/Conventions: /3
1
Title page contains all necessary information in the correct
place—header, title, student name, university name
2
Title is meaningful (indicates specific topic) and clear (essay
type)
3
Running head: TITLE on title page in top left hand corner in the
header
4
Header throughout with TITLE IN CAPITAL LETTERS (and no
Running head: after title page)
5
Page numbers begin on title page (in the top, right corner)
6
Paper Size Setting (“Letter”, not “A4) & Margins are correct
(2.54cm all around & “Align-text left”)

24. 7
Title appears centred at the top of p.2 (the first writing page)
8
Font is Times New Roman 12 point & consistent (always black
color, no bold/underline, italics only in the references)
9
Line spacing – double/2.0 (including references!) & no extra
line spacing (especially between paragraphs)
10
Paragraphs are indented one tab space for the first line
11
Includes a References page (with correct title References, not
Reference) if sources other than the Bible are used
B. Documentation: /2
1
Ideas that are borrowed/quoted (from your research and not
your own thinking/idea) includes a citation (no plagiarism)
3
If used, in-text citations use the author, or if no author, the
organization or title (in that order)
4
If used, in-text citations include the year, or if no year, the
letters n.d.
5
In-text citations are correct in every other way (punctuation,
capitalization, and correct placement)

25. 6
If used, references are correct APA, include all necessary
information, alphabetical order, and cross-referenced.
7
Essay includes accurate citation for the Bible including
translation in the first reference (i.e.NRSV/NIV)
8
Citations for the Bible are done correctly according to the
course pack, no reference for the Bible is included.
C. Development: /40
1
Introduction is an appropriate length and follows deductive
pattern (hook+introductory sentence+topic sentence+thesis)
2
Introduction uses an appropriate hook.
3
Thesis statement contains appropriate topic, the category of
RUAH and differentiation (academic concept)
4
A roadmap (indication of methods of definition) is included
with or follows the thesis statement.
5
Body paragraphs use key words (Assertion/Connection), are
focused on the thesis/assertion, and follow the pattern.
6
Body section moves from more general definition to more
specific definition.

26. 7
Transition words/phrases are used accurately/effectively
throughout
8
Quotations are integrated (introducted with
Book/Author/Context, quote, citation, transition, discussion).
9
Essay uses sufficient evidence to support each idea (two pieces
of evidence for each body paragraph)
10
Conclusion is short and pulls together all the key words
D. Content: /45
1
Ideas offer insight into the topic, show depth of thought and
concern for originality
2
Chosen differentiation demonstrates critical thinking.
3
Ideas grow and develop throughout the essay (not repetitive).
4
Ideas maintain focus on the differentiation (thesis key word)
and method of definition (MOD, assertion key word)
5
Evidence was chosen carefully to support the differentiation and
method of definition

27. 6
Essay uses quotes and support from the Bible. The quotations
add meaning and depth.
7
Discussion was sufficient and detailed.
8
If the essay uses additional research, it is meaningful and well
integrated (required for comparison/contrast paragraphs)
9
Overall essay explores the definition in an academic way.
E. Grammar/Vocabulary: /15
1
Essay is basically fluent and free of error (0).
15
2
Essay has a few to several minor errors (4~5).
14~10
3
Essay has many minor errors, making it awkward and
uncomfortable (6~10).
9~6
4
Essay has so many errors that the meaning is unclear in many
parts. This essay is not acceptable (more than 10).
5~0