60 Writing Topics for Extended Definitions

60 Writing Topics for Extended Definitions Simply put, a definition is a statement of the meaning of a word or phrase. An extended definition goes beyond what can be found in a dictionary,  offering an expanded analysis and illustration  of a concept that might be abstract, controversial, unfamiliar, or frequently misunderstood. Take, for example, writings such as William James Pragmatic Theory of Truth or John Bergers The Meaning of Home. Approaching the Abstract Abstract concepts, including many of the broad terms in the list that follows, need to be brought to earth with an example to relate what they mean to your reader and to get your point or opinion across. You could illustrate the concepts with anecdotes from your personal life or examples from the news or current events, or write an opinion piece.  Theres no single method for  developing  and  organizing  a paragraph or essay by extended definition. The 60 concepts listed here can be defined in various ways and from different points of view. Brainstorming and Prewriting Start with brainstorming your topic. If you work well with lists, write the word at the top of the paper and fill the rest of the page with all the things that the word makes you think of, feel, see, or even smell, without stopping. Its OK to go off on tangents, as you might find a surprising connection that could make a powerful, insightful, or even humorous essay. Alternatively, brainstorm by writing the word in the middle of your paper and connect other related words to it and each other. As you develop your angle, think about the concepts background, features, characteristics, and parts. What is the concepts opposite? What are its effects on you or others? Something in your list or word map will spark a writing idea or theme to use to illustrate the abstract concept, and then its off to the races. If you run into a dead end the first time, go back to your list and pick another idea. Its possible that your first draft turns out to be prewriting and leads to a better idea that can be developed further and can possibly even incorporate the prewriting exercise. Time spent writing is time spent exploring and is never wasted, as sometimes it takes a bit of pursuit to discover the perfect idea. If seeing examples will help spark your essay, take a look at Gifts, by Ralph Waldo Emerson, Gore Vidals Definition of Prettiness, or A Definition of Pantomime, by Julian Barnes. 60 Topic Suggestions Looking for a place to start? Here are 60 words and phrases so broad that writings on them could be infinite: TrustKindnessSexismGumptionRacismSportsmanshipHonorModestySelf-assuranceHumilityDedicationSensitivityPeace of mindRespectAmbitionRight to privacyGenerosityLazinessCharismaCommon senseTeam playerMaturityIntegrityHealthy appetiteFrustrationOptimismSense of humorLiberalConservativeA good (or bad) teacher or professorPhysical fitnessFeminismA happy marriageTrue friendshipCourageCitizenshipSuccessA good (or bad) coachIntelligencePersonalityA good (or bad) roommatePolitical correctnessPeer pressureLeadershipPersistenceResponsibilityHuman rightsSophisticationSelf-respectHeroismThriftSlothVanityPrideBeautyGreedVirtueProgressA good (or bad) bossA good (or bad) parent

Its an essay on Hamlets delay in killing Claudius. Its a good paper. I got an A on it.

Its an essay on Hamlets delay in killing Claudius. Its a good paper. I got an A on it. Hamlet's DelayIn Shakespeare's Hamlet, the main character continually delays acting out his duty of avenging his father's murder. This essay will discuss how Hamlet's nature and morals (which are intensified by difficult events) prevent him from carrying out the task.In the opening scenes of the play, the Ghost of Hamlet's late father reveals to him the true means by which King Hamlet died. The Ghost tells Hamlet that Claudius pouring poison into his ear caused his father's death. He exhorts Hamlet to avenge the murder. Hamlet's initial response is to act on the Ghost's exhortation quickly. Hamlet says; "Haste me to know't that I with wings as swift...May sweep to my revenge, (Roberts, pg. 1370)." Yet by the end of the same scene, his reluctance to murder King Claudius is evident. Hamlet says; "This time is out of joint, O cursed spite, that I was ever born to set it right, (Roberts, pg.English: Henry Fuseli - Hamlet and his father's Gh...1374)." Hamlet is like a soldier that is thro wn into a war where he has to do some things he rather would avoid doing, but under the given circumstances he bites his teeth and carries himself well (Stratford, 128). In this war, the circumstances brought on by Claudius's murdering of King Hamlet are Hamlet's enemy. His dead father is the destroyed country, painful truth that leaves so much hatred and resentment in his heart. Being a loyal prince and son, and one whom entire kingdom respected, he should seek revenge and bring justice back in the royal court.Many theories have been put forward as to the reasons for Hamlet's delay in avenging the King from hereon in. One theory suggests that Hamlet wished to determine the nature of the Ghost before acting, for he says in Act II: Scene 2 that "The spirit I...

Local education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Local education - Essay Example The source of finance acceptable to the institution is the most important factor for many students seeking higher education in American universities, especially international students who have to give evidence of ability to pay for the education. Many students are subjected to a rigorous vetting process to determine their eligibility for financing in cases where they seek for scholarships, grants and loans. The criterion used includes but not limited to; country of origin (citizenship), certain minimum academic qualifications, financial ability, and in some instances work experience, I was lucky to secure financing from the Federal Student Aid program. Having acquired a source of finance, the next major step was enrolling for school and starting my classes. The registration process was long and winding. I started off by obtaining clearance from the finance office after which I was directed to the registrar’s office. At the registrar’s office, I met a long queue of students waiting to be served. I had to wait for 2 hours before my turn came. I submitted the clearance form from the finance office and was subsequently issued with a registration number. From the registrar’s office, I headed for the deans office who now issued me with course application forms. I applied for the course and Units of the first semester. I then had to wait for verification from the programme director and have the application forms stamped. The forms would then be taken to the dean’s secretary for filing. The registration process often is a challenge to new students joining universities. The process involves far too many form filling and verification procedures that would prove a challenge to a freshman especially so for international students who also face language barrier problems. After this process, the dean’s secretary gave me the time table and a manual with all the information I needed to know. The classes were to start the following Monday. Monday