This document provides guidance on writing an extended definition paper. It instructs students to thoroughly research the word they will define using dictionaries, books, and online sources to understand definitions, synonyms, origins, and common uses. The document outlines including a dictionary definition, personal definition, examples, and discussing what the word is and is not in an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Students are provided a list of potential words to define and told to use a graphic organizer to plan their paper. The document emphasizes using clear examples and analysis to illuminate the word's meaning for readers.

1. Writing an Extended Definition
EC/CR

2. Your word
Your Word
Dictionary
Definition Personal
Definition
Synonyms/Antonyms Facts
Beginning your research for this paper is like going on a scavenger hunt. You’ve
got to thoroughly research your word before you even begin to think about writing.
Your graphic organizer will have to be handed in with your final copy.

3. Dictionary Definitions
A dictionary will provide you with a
definition of a word. There are various
types of dictionaries that give specialized
information about words and concepts.
Some dictionaries provide different forms
of the word and may even tell the history
or derivation of the word’s meaning. But
some words are just not easily defined as
they express abstract ideas or concepts.

4. Gather Information
Consult a general dictionary as well as un
unabridged dictionary. List both the
denotative (literal) and connotative
(associated) meanings for the word.
Consult a specialized dictionary that defines
words related to specific disciplines or
occupations: music, literature, law,
medicine, etc.
Use http://www.visuwords.com to
graphically explore the word further.

5. Gather Information
• Check books like Bartlett’s Famous
Quotations to see how famous speakers
and writers have used the word.
• Research the word’s etymology and
usage.
• Do a general search on the Web to see
where the word pops up.
• List synonyms & antonyms.

6. An Extended Definition
Can be personal or objective (facts only).
An extended definition explains what the
word means to the writer and may allow a
reader to see the word differently.
Choose details that help readers
understand the word’s denotation (literal)
meaning as well as its connotation
(associated) meaning. Some times
when we examine what a word is,
we have to look at what it is NOT.

7. To begin your definition
use specific examples to illustrate your
definition, but be sure that your examples
are ones that the reader(s) can relate to.
You might use synonyms, give examples,
discuss the word’s origins, develop
comparisons, tell what the word is not or
create an anecdote to show the word in
action.
Before you begin to write, you have to
extensively research and think about your
word. Complete the graphic organizer.

8. Your task
is to make the definition fresh by using
your own understanding and experience to
illuminate the word’s meaning. You are
writing a definition that not only explains
how the word is used, but also explains
your understanding of the word. The best
topics are abstract nouns, complex terms
or adjectives connected to a personal
experience.

9. education glamour beauty scholar
negligent luck fiasco ambition
poverty tyranny confidence phony
clever tragedy social
responsibility
routine
culture terrorism charisma virtue
respectability pride courage good manners
success love evil diploma

10. Introduction
• Attention Getter
– Traditional or dictionary definition
– Contradictory image to illustrate definition
• THESIS: State how you define the term

11. Outline of the Body Paragraphs
• Background Information
– May be unnecessary in this paper
– However, you may need to provide some background about your
connection to the term
• Point one
– The first part of your definition of the term.
– Example to illustrate that point.
– Analysis of how the example illustrates the point.
• Point two
– The second part of the definition of the term
– Example to illustrate the point
– Analysis of how the example illustrates the point.
• Point three
– The third part of the definition (if there is one)
– Example to illustrate that point
– Analysis of how the example illustrates the point
• Point four, etc.

12. Conclusion
• Review your definition's main points
• Closing attention getter
– Tie your conclusion back to the introduction
– Close with an explanation of how your
definition has affected you

14. For example, think of this word…

15. Introduction
• Attention Getter
– Traditional dictionary definition of patriotism
– Contradictory image to illustrate definition
• THESIS: Patriotism is speaking out when
a person feels the country is right or
wrong, voting, campaigning, and
respecting others.

16. Body Paragraphs
• Speaking out when the country is wrong
– Vietnam
– Slavery
– Women's Right to Vote
• Speaking out when country is right
– Fighting against the Taliban
– Health care reform
• Voting
– Making a choice based on one's needs
– Being involved in the voting process
• Campaigning
– Finding a candidate that represents country's needs
– Name of a candidate
Respecting Others
– Paying taxes
– Respecting others’ points of view
– Arab-American prejudice after 9/11

17. Conclusion
• Review of patriot as a protestor, voter, and
respectful citizen
• Return to the idea in the introduction--the
image of a patriot

18. Points
Graphic Organizer – 100 points
Wordle – 100 points
Works Cited page – 100 points
Rough Draft with complete ratiocination and
8 count – 100 points
Peer editing – 100 points
Final copy – 300 points
Total – 800 points

19. MLA format
DOUBLE SPACED
12 pt font
Heading
Pagination
Works Cited page – center the title Works
Cited