EXTENDED DEFINITION
PROMPT: EXTENDED DEFINITION: Define or redefine one of the following words:
Family
Success
Courage
Art
Beauty
In your draft, briefly explain how society, or the dictionary, defines the word you've selected, and then explain your unique or extended definition of the word. Provide examples and explanations to support your definition. Your thesis must inform your readers of your new definition and, because you are writing in the informative mode, you must use objective language.
Draft an extended definition essay that defines or redefines a word or concept. Read the article by Dan Richards titled "Digital Ethics" found in the "Model Informative Essays" tutorial for ideas about how to write an extended definition essay.
The Please answer the following questions
1. What is the significance of your essay? Why should readers care about what you have written? (2-3 sentences) Sophia says: Think about why you decided to analyze this particular image, or why you picked the word you chose to define. Your interest in in your subject matter should be clear to readers.
2. Which areas of your draft do you think will benefit most from revision? (2-3 sentences) Sophia says: Consider the organization, style, focus, development, and conventions of your draft. Which areas did you struggle to complete?
3. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of your writing. How can you capitalize on your strengths and improve on your weaknesses in future essays? (3-4 sentences) Sophia says: Think about what was easy about writing the draft, and what was more difficult. For example, if you write paragraphs with strong topic sentences, but repeatedly use the same type of sentence to provide supporting details, you can improve your paragraphs by varying sentence structure.
Sample Solution
The word ‘Family’ is one that carries a deep and powerful meaning. Society generally defines family as individuals related by blood or marriage who live together in the same household. This definition also includes those who are not legally recognized family members, such as close friends or roommates. My extended definition of family goes beyond this traditional understanding to encompass a much broader concept:
Family is defined by the connections, memories, and experiences we share with our significant others regardless of whether they are related to us by blood or have been chosen through adoption, marriage, friendship, etc.
A strong sense of connection between people can be seen as an extension of what society deems ‘family’ because it involves an emotional commitment which has been mutually agreed on. For example, when someone meets their best friend at school and they become inseparable over time due to deepening trust and mutual understanding towards each other - this bond could easily be considered a form of familial love even if nobody else recognizes it as such. The same holds true for foster children who have found loving homes after being taken away from their birth families; siblings that raise each other up in times of need; even married couples whose relationship has grown over years into something more meaningful than a legal union - all these relationships could be known as ‘family’ according to my extended definition.
In addition to defining 'family' based on emotional connection between its members, I would like to further emphasize the importance of shared experiences within said family unit. Families don't just help shape our future but also provide us with invaluable lessons from the past; traditions which communicate our values from generation to generation; stories which bring moments from history back alive every time they are told again - anything can become part of collective memory when embraced by a group small enoughto feel like family and big enoughto leave lasting impressions on its members alike. All those little pieces combine into one big picture that's unique yet still connected across timelines through shared experience alone - making it easy for anyone outside looking in recognize them all as one entity despite having different perspectives on life itself!
Ultimately, my extended definition allows for greater flexibility when considering what constitutes 'family', while still maintaining some core elements (connection & shared experience) that are essential components any type/shape thereof must include in order for them qualify under my new interpretation! This gives us room explore various forms without neglecting important aspects necessary make sure familial bonds remain strong enough withstand hardships arrive unexpectedly throughout life's journey ahead! It also encourages readers think about how similar definitions may exist elsewhere world-wide too; potentially providing insight into why certain cultures treat close relatives differently than others might do so too!
My essay highlights the significance behind redefining commonly understood terms like 'family' in order showcase how diversely relationships between humans can manifest themselves depending upon context both social/cultural changes overtime alongside personal growth experienced individually along way! By presenting readers with this alternative perspective on what makes up "families", I hope gain better appreciation for beauty found within diversity ultimately leading more open-mindedness acceptance amongst everyone involved going forward!
Strengths of my writing include the use of personal examples to illustrate my extended definition and the clear explanation provided for why I chose to redefine family in this way. To improve on my weaknesses, I need to better develop a thesis statement that not only states what kind of definition I am proposing, but also explains why it is important. Additionally, I could benefit from further developing the connections between societies’ varied definitions of ‘family’ and how this helps readers gain a better understanding of culture as a whole.