The Mode of Definition

By: Melissa Leon, Sara Matucci, and Alex Molino

In “Every Dictators Nightmare” Wole Soyinka defines rulers and dictators as controlling and cruel human beings. Every Dictators nightmare is an idea that has transformed the lives of billions and remains poised to liberate billions more, since it is an idea that will not settle for tokenism or for relativism -- it implicitly links the liberation of one to the liberation of all. We are all equal human beings that should be treated fairly between everyone around us. No matter what race, culture, gender, or religion is practiced, we are all born with a human right, which defines us as equal.

THERE’S TWO FORMATS  ON HOW TO WRITE A DEFINITION ESSAY SO YOU CAN CHOOSE WHICH EVER ONE YOU THINK IS BEST (: 

how to write a definition essay:

1.) choose a topic that you are interested in defining. it should be intangible or a concept that goes beyond literal definition.

2.) choose a topic you know and can define well.

3.) develop thesis that clearly states the term that is being defined.

4.) write well-developed paragraphs that supports the thesis and fully-develop the term. provide specific support to prove you claims.

I. IntroductionA. Attention getter

1. You may want to include the traditional or dictionary definition here to provide a basis for your personal definition.

2. You may want to open with a contradictory image to what would be your image to illustrate that definition.

B. Thesis: State how you define the term. If you can write the definition using specific points, you will find the definition easier to follow when writing the paper.

II. Body A. Background information:

Often uneccessary in this type of paper 2. However, you may need to provide some background about the term or

your connection to the term.

B. Point one 1. The first part of your definition of the term. 2. Example to illustrate that point. 3. Analysis of how the example illustrates the point.

C. Point two 1. The second part of the definition of the term. 2. Example to illustrate that point. 3. Analysis of how the example illustrates the point.

D. Point three 1. The third part of the definition (if there is one) 2. Example to illustrate that point. 3. Analysis of how the example illustrates the point.

E. Point four, etc. 

lll. ConclusionA. Review your definition’s main points

B. Closing attention getter1. Sometimes a reference back to the opening

attention-getter is a good way of unifying the entire essay.

2. You may want to close with an explanation of how your definition has affected you.