topic selection for definition essay

Definition Essay Writing

Definition Essay Topics

150 Best Definition Essay Topics For Students

12 min read

A Closer Look at Definition Essay

A definition essay is a type of academic writing that defines or explains a word, term, concept, or idea. There are some words that have literal meanings and they are very easy to explain i.e. pencil, table, chair, etc.

There are some terms that have abstract meanings and are difficult to explain i.e. love, care, emotion, and feelings.

This type of essay includes both the official meanings of the word and the writer's interpretation. This interpretation is supported by examples.

A good definition essay will not exceed one page in length, and it should include 250-500 words. The goal is for the student to expand on a word’s usage. This can be done by explaining other possible concepts of what they are analyzing - this makes them more interesting!

Definition Essay Topics Ideas

When you search over the internet you’ll get plenty of definition essay topics. Having a lot of ideas in hand can make the topic selection process difficult. That is why we have compiled a list of some effective and interesting definition essay topics.

Check out these creative definition essay topics lists below and choose the best one for your essay.

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

Definition Essay Topics for High School Students

Identity in the Digital Age
Empathy in a Diverse World
Global Citizenship
Intellectual Curiosity
Civic Engagement
Environmental Stewardship
Ethical Leadership
Cultural Fluency
Mindfulness in Education
Critical Thinking

Definition Essay Topics for College Students

What is the meaning of optimism?
What does sincerity mean?
Love at first sight
The true meaning of respect
The actual definition of family
Define Buddhism
Who is a strong leader?
What is the actual meaning of ambitions?
Define racism in your own words
How will you define success?

Definition Essay Topic on Mass Media

The evolution of 'news' in the digital age: redefining journalism.
The true meaning of 'media bias': navigating perspectives.
The influence of 'social media': defining modern connectivity.
The power of 'advertising': shaping perceptions and desires.
Reality TV: a new definition of 'entertainment'?
The impact of 'fake news': deconstructing information manipulation.
The definition of 'clickbait': balancing engagement and misleading content.
Streaming services: redefining 'television' in the 21st century.
The role of 'podcasts' in modern communication: beyond radio.
Citizen journalism: broadening the scope of 'media.

Funny Definition Essay Topics

Awkward Dancing
Chaos Theory
Social Media Stalking
Mismatched Socks
Infinite Scroll
Bad Hair Days
Pajama Fashion
Fast Food Gourmet
Napping Olympics
Pencil Tossing

Creative Definition Essay Topics

The Essence of Wanderlust: Defining the Spirit of Adventure
Epic Fails: The Art and Science of Learning from Mistakes
Digital Detox: Navigating Life in the Age of Screens
Ambition Redefined: Pursuing Dreams in the Real World
Friendship in the Digital Age: The Modern Definition of 'BFF'
Mindfulness Unveiled: Embracing the Present Moment
Nostalgia: Journeying into the Past Through Rose-Tinted Glasses
Resilience: Bouncing Back from Life's Unexpected Twists
The Art of Simplicity: Finding Beauty in the Basics
Silence Speaks: Exploring the Power of Quiet Moments

Easy Definition Essay Topics

Privacy
Humanity

Good Definition Essay Topics

Describe laziness
Define attitude
What is magnetism?
How do you define attraction?
Define human rights
What is the meaning of responsibilities?
Time management
Define health
Define class
What is the meaning of wealth

Unique Definition Essay Topics

The quirkiness of 'fam': exploring unconventional family structures.
The essence of 'chill': beyond a relaxing vibe.
Defining 'awkward': navigating social discomfort.
The true meaning of 'indie': beyond music and film.
The 'vibe' culture: capturing the unspoken atmosphere.
Decoding 'meme culture': more than just humor.
The complexity of 'cool': an ever-changing definition.
The 'hacktivist' movement: merging hacking and activism.
Retro: nostalgia or a timeless definition?
The art of 'hygge': coziness in a single word.

One Word Definition Essay Topics:

Sustainability

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Classification and Definition Essay Topics

Types of friendship: defining bonds beyond acquaintanceship.
Genres of literature: from mystery to science fiction.
Learning styles: understanding varied approaches to education.
Personality types: navigating the landscape of traits.
Cuisine categories: exploring the world through food.
Forms of government: beyond democracy and authoritarianism.
Music genres: from classical to experimental.
Social media users: the diverse landscape of online presence.
Educational philosophies: from Montessori to Waldorf.
The world of gaming: classifying video game genres.

Simple Definition Essay Topics:

Friendship: what does it truly mean to be a friend?
Happiness: beyond smiles and laughter.
Home: defining the heart of comfort.
Success: navigating achievements and fulfillment.
Courage: facing fear with grace.
Kindness: the power of small acts.
Respect: cultivating dignity in interactions.
Family: beyond blood ties.
Trust: the foundation of genuine connections.
Wisdom: gained through experience and reflection.

Extended Definition Essay Topics

What does the term freedom mean?
Define ownership in your own words
What is the meaning of the term character?
The current American dream
The evolution of the definitions
Define experience in your own words
What is common sense?
Explore the term science
What role does a degree play in a student’s life?
Time: The Elusive Concept That Shapes Our Lives

Random Definition Essay Topics

Small business
Masculinity
Artificial Intelligence
Individuality

Definition Argumentative Essay Topics

Democracy vs. Dictatorship
Meaning of two sides of a coin
Classical music vs. Pop music
Friendship vs. Love
The Fluid Concept of 'Justice'
Equality vs. Equity
The Definition of 'Art'
Security in the 21st Century
Defining 'Fake News' in a Post-Truth Society
The Definition of 'Heroism'

Controversial Definition Essay Topics

Defining Patriotism: Where Loyalty Ends and Extremism Begins.
Freedom of Speech: Navigating the Thin Line Between Expression and Harm.
The Slippery Slope of Political Correctness: Balancing Respect and Censorship.
The Fluid Boundaries of 'Cultural Appropriation' in Art and Fashion.
Gender Identity: Beyond Binary – The Controversy of Pronouns.
The Definition of 'Addiction': Disease or Personal Responsibility?
Euthanasia: Dignity in Death or Slippery Moral Slope?
The Controversy of 'Trigger Warnings': Protecting or Censoring?
Defining 'Fake News' in a Post-Truth Era: Information or Manipulation?
The Line Between 'National Security' and Invasion of Privacy.

How to Choose a Definition Essay Topic?

The success of your essay majorly depends on the topic. A good topic is a key element in writing a good essay. So when you choose a topic for your essay, keep the following things in mind.

Choose a topic that has a broad meaning rather than a literal meaning.
Make sure you understand the topic completely.
Make sure that the subject should be interesting for you.
The topic should be interesting for the reader as well.
Choose a word, idea or term that is fresh for the audience.
Avoid picking any common topic that the reader is already familiar with.
Choose an idea that connects with your target audience.

Choosing a controversial topic is quite easier than choosing a common definition essay topic. As you have a few options to choose from and a little space to write about it. But if you keep the instructions given above in mind, you can easily choose an amazing topic for your essay.

Tips on How to Write a Definition Essay

Here are some tips that you should learn before writing your essay. These steps will help you structure your essay in a proper format.

Pick an interesting and unique paper topic.
Research the topic thoroughly and collect detailed information about it.
Create a definition essay outline , it will help you follow the essay pattern. Without an outline, it is really difficult to craft a good essay according to the format.
Tell the exact meaning of your subject in the introduction part. Present the thesis statement that provides a detailed meaning of the essay topic. Your introduction should be able to grab the reader’s attention and make them read the complete essay.
In the body paragraphs, provide evidence that supports your personal and dictionary definitions. Elaborate on the topic with the help of your personal experience examples.
In the conclusion section, just sum up all the explanations and descriptions. This is akin to closing remarks, so do not provide a fresh idea over here. Provide your close remarks and finish the essay.
After writing the essay, spare some time for the proofreading and editing process. Check your essay for spelling and grammatical mistakes. Remove all the errors from the essay to make it flawless.

Definition Essay Structure

Your final definition paper may have a structure similar to this:

A copy-pasted or paraphrased definition from the dictionary.
Writer’s personal understanding and interpretation of the word.
An example of the usage of the word in a real context.
Supporting evidence justifying the writer’s interpretation of the word.
Conclusion summarizing each point briefly.

In conclusion, our exploration into the world of definition essays has been a journey of discovery. We've dived into the meanings of words, navigated through controversies, and embraced creativity. Words are more than just letters; they have the power to shape thoughts and connect us in unique ways.

This essay writing guide will help you a lot in writing your essay. Make sure you follow the procedure so that you don’t make any mistakes.

Found a topic but don’t have time to write an essay?

Well, fret no more, we have got your back!

Hire a professional definition essay writer from MyPerfectWords.com . We are a professional writing service that provides high-quality academic papers and essays at reasonable prices.

So, don’t wait, and get the best essay writing help online today!

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

Breaking Down Concepts: A How-To Guide for Writing Definition Essays

Table of contents

1 What Is a Definition Essay?
2 Choosing the Right Topic
3 What Is the Purpose of a Definition Essay and Creating an Outline?
4.1 Introduction:
4.2 Body Paragraphs:
4.3 Conclusion:
5.1 Understanding the Term Thoroughly
5.2 Use Multiple Sources for Definitions
5.3 Classify the Term
5.4 Separate a Word Into Various Parts
5.5 Begin your essay With a Standard Definition
5.6 Incorporate Your Thesis Early
5.7 Consider Different Viewpoints or Interpretations
5.8 Use Real-Life Examples and Anecdotes:
5.9 Analyze the Term’s Origin and History
5.10 Discuss the Term in Different Contexts
5.11 Compare and Contrast
5.12 Address Common Misconceptions
5.13 Introspection and the Effect of the Defining Term
6 List of Definition Essay Topics
7 Striking the Balance in Academic Writing

The definition essay is one of the most popular types of assignments students can face. Hence, we aim to equip you with the tools to write a definition essay. It will meet academic standards and engage readers with eloquence and insight.

In this article, we will discuss the following:

In this article, we delve into the intricacies of writing a definition essay:
Starting with understanding its purpose and the art of selecting the right topic.
We’ll discuss the significance of brainstorming and outlining before delving into the essay structure.
The writing tips and techniques include understanding the term thoroughly, using multiple sources for definitions, classifying and analyzing the term, incorporating real-life examples, and considering various viewpoints.
Additionally, we’ll cover the importance of addressing common misconceptions and the introspective impact of the defining term.

What Is a Definition Essay?

Definition essays are one of the most popular types of essays .

A definition essay is a type of writing that explains and explores the meaning of a complex, abstract, or multifaceted term. It involves presenting a detailed and personal understanding of the term, often supported by research and examples.

However, a definition essay structure goes beyond the bounds of argumentative or descriptive essays. A definition essay seeks to articulate the essence of a chosen term or concept. Its purpose is to delve into the nuances. Thus, it offers a comprehensive understanding that transcends common usage.

An extended definition essay dissects a subject, providing a nuanced examination. It allows readers to grasp its depth and breadth. Also, it doesn’t argue a point or vividly depict a scene but clarifies and refines understanding. Here, the writer strives to illuminate the chosen term through careful language selection. Consequently, they offer readers a profound insight beyond superficial definitions.

Choosing the Right Topic

The process of choosing the correct definition essay topic necessitates a delicate balance. It must be expansive and engaging. Opt for a captivating concept that seizes the reader’s attention, steering clear of mundane options. Besides, steer clear of defining physical objects. Instead, opt for abstract and complex terms such as “love,” “bravery,” or “happiness.” You can find such concepts in any field and choose something suitable.

These subjects offer fertile ground for in-depth exploration, enabling you to unravel layers of meaning and provide a nuanced perspective. Delving into the abstract empowers your essay to transcend mere dictionary definitions. Thus, you invite readers to intellectual and emotional discovery.

What Is the Purpose of a Definition Essay and Creating an Outline?

Before writing a definition essay, you need to brainstorm and outline the process. Brainstorming generates a pool of ideas, providing a foundation for your essay. The creative springboard sparks innovation and ensures a thoughtful exploration of your topic. Creating an outline for the definition essay serves as the roadmap, organizing thoughts cohesively. It structures your narrative, preventing aimless tangents and enhancing overall clarity. These preliminary steps streamline the writing process. It makes writing a definition essay more efficient and rewarding.

Structuring the Definition Essay

Here is the standard essay structure . If you don’t know how to start a definition essay, these tips will help you.

Introduction:

Starting your introduction requires an engaging approach. The initial segment should captivate the reader’s attention while precisely defining your statement. For this purpose, present the chosen word, explaining a concept essay through the lens of the dictionary definition.

Chart the course of your work, outlining the path you will traverse. Importantly, embed your viewpoint within the thesis, ensuring it reflects your stance on the topic.

We advise you to begin your definition paper with a compelling hook that captivates the reader’s attention:

a surprising fact;
a thought-provoking rhetorical question;
a brief anecdote related to the term you’re defining.

Next, provide the standard dictionary definition of the term. It establishes a baseline understanding for readers. Additionally, present your interpretation through a clear definition essay thesis statement. This thesis is the central idea you will delve into throughout the essay.

Body Paragraphs :

The focal point lies in the main text, which explains how to compose a definition argument essay. It is where your critical information and arguments take center stage. The task involves elucidating and expanding your definition essay thesis with:

diverse personal opinions;
definitions.

Each paragraph in the body of your basic essay should concentrate on a different aspect or component of your definition. Moreover, explore various dimensions of the term. It can be its connotation, denotation, historical context, societal implications, or personal meaning.

Use specific examples and personal anecdotes to illustrate each aspect of your definition. These concrete definition essay examples make abstract concepts more relatable. Besides, consider comparisons and contrasts with similar or opposite concepts to clarify the meaning.

After, acknowledge any complexities or nuances associated with the term. Some terms may have different meanings in various contexts, so exploring these intricacies is crucial.

Indeed, a definitive essay demands specific writing skills and knowledge, and Papers Owl stands ready to assist students. Our experienced writers offer valuable guidance and support. They ensure that each definition essay is meticulously written.

Conclusion:

Summarize the key points discussed in the body paragraphs. Afterward, provide readers with a concise recap of the various aspects of your definition.

The good idea is to sta te your thesis statement for the definition essay in the conclusion. Accordingly, emphasize it with the evidence and examples in the essay’s body.

Write a concluding paragraph with some final thoughts or reflections. Find an example of a definition essay. It could help you. This way, it could involve discussing the importance of understanding the term and its relevance in a broader context. Also, it offers personal definitions and reflections on its significance. By wrapping up with thoughtful insights, you leave the reader with a lasting impression of the term you’ve explored in-depth.

Writing Tips and Techniques for Crafting an Excellent Definition Essay

Understanding the term thoroughly.

Before embarking on a definition essay format, it is paramount to comprehend the chosen term thoroughly. Dive into its complexities, nuances, and various dimensions. It will help to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive exploration.

Use Multiple Sources for Definitions

Rely on diverse sources to define your chosen term. The standard dictionary definition is a starting point. Besides, consulting multiple sources adds depth and richness to your deep understanding. This multifaceted approach ensures a more nuanced portrayal of the term.

Classify the Term

Offer readers clarity by classifying the term based on standard dictionary definitions. Describe the classes and parts of speech. You can create a foundational understanding when dealing with complex words.

Separate a Word Into Various Parts

Consider breaking the specific word down into its parts for complex terms. This approach is especially beneficial when dealing with intricate concepts. Moreover, it can be better comprehended when dissected.

Begin your essay With a Standard Definition

Start your paper by presenting a standard definition in essay introduction. As a rule, it must be sourced from reputable references.

Incorporate Your Thesis Early

Integrate your thesis statement early in the introduction. Remember to articulate your perspective on the term clearly to guide the direction of your essay. This proactive approach sets the tone for the reader, offering a roadmap for what lies ahead.

Consider Different Viewpoints or Interpretations

Acknowledge the diversity of perspectives surrounding the term. Explore various viewpoints and definition essay ideas to present a well-rounded analysis. This inclusivity enriches your essay and demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the term’s multifaceted nature.

Use Real-Life Examples and Anecdotes:

Enhance the relatability of your expository essay by incorporating real-life examples and anecdotes. Illustrate the meaning of the term through tangible scenarios. For this purpose, make abstract definition essay concepts more authentic and engaging for the reader.

Analyze the Term’s Origin and History

Delve into the origin and historical evolution of the term. It will help you create an analytical definition essay.

Discuss the Term in Different Contexts

Explore how the term’s meaning varies in diverse cultural, social, or professional contexts. Highlighting these contextual shifts contributes to a more comprehensive and nuanced exploration.

Compare and Contrast

When applicable, employ comparison and contrast to elucidate the term’s meaning. Also, draw parallels with similar terms or highlight differences with opposing concepts. It adds clarity and depth to your definition.

Address Common Misconceptions

Identify and clarify any common misconceptions about the term. Addressing misunderstandings contributes to a more accurate and informed understanding among your readers.

Introspection and the Effect of the Defining Term

Conclude an essay with introspection by reflecting on the person and broader implications of the defining term. Thus, explore how the term resonates on a personal level. You need to know its impact in broader societal contexts. This conclusion adds a reflective dimension to your essay. It leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

List of Definition Essay Topics

Explore a range of compelling topics for your definition essay. From abstract concepts like love and freedom to concrete ideas like sustainability and democracy, this list offers diverse options for insightful exploration

Defining Emotional Intelligence
What Constitutes True Happiness?
The Essence of Creativity
The Concept of Cultural Heritage
Understanding Social Justice
The Meaning of Home
What is Altruism?
The Definition of Success
Exploring the Idea of Freedom
The True Nature of Courage
What Does ‘Family’ Mean?
The Concept of Wisdom
Defining Personal Growth
The Meaning of Resilience
What is Empathy?
Understanding Sustainability
The Essence of Democracy
The Definition of Innovation
What Constitutes a Hero?
The Concept of Mindfulness
The True Meaning of Leadership
The Nature of Ambition
What is Philanthropy?
Understanding Globalization
The Meaning of Art
The Concept of Justice
What Defines a Community?
The Essence of Integrity
What is Spirituality?
The Definition of Patriotism
Understanding Self-Respect
The Concept of Beauty
What is Wisdom?
The Nature of Addiction
Defining Mental Health
The Meaning of Education
What Constitutes Peace?
The Concept of Power
Understanding Authenticity
The Essence of Passion
What Defines a Role Model?
The Concept of Serenity
Understanding Mindfulness
The Definition of Love
What is Respect?
The Nature of Bravery
Defining a Crisis
The Meaning of Adventure
What Constitutes Wellness?
The Concept of Liberty

Striking the Balance in Academic Writing

This article unraveled the intricacies of crafting a nuanced definition essay. It emphasizes thorough research, diverse perspectives, and illustrative examples. As a key takeaway, mastering this genre requires a blend of precision and creativity. Remember the critical art of balancing active and passive voices in academic writing. Striking this equilibrium ensures clarity, engagement, and a dynamic narrative. While the active voice imparts directness, the passive voice navigates formality.

For those seeking further assistance or guidance, consider the option of ordering an essay tailored to your specific needs.

Readers also enjoyed

WHY WAIT? PLACE AN ORDER RIGHT NOW!

Just fill out the form, press the button, and have no worries!

We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy.

Definition Essay Topics

But writing an effective definition essay requires exploring the nuances of a word and explaining it from several different perspectives. Confused? Don’t worry, this article will tell you everything you need to know about how to write a high scoring definition essay.

What is a Definition Essay?

A definition essay is a common writing assignment in schools and universities. Put simply, It asks a student to choose a word and define it in-depth. The common dictionary definition is the first thing to state (in your own words), then the lesser-known meanings of the concept, followed by personal anecdotes and opinions further explaining the word.

These assignments usually have word limits of up to 500 words. There are two main difficulties, either finding a definition essay topic to write 500 words about or fitting a lengthy and complex definition into the word limit.

Some words are concrete concepts like clothes, telescope, or computer which may seem simple to write about but are ill-suited topics for a definition essay, while others are abstract like morality, envy, or justice which are much better because they allow for a more nuanced essay.

Writing a successful definition essay means exploring a word more deeply than just stating its definition. The goal is to show a deep understanding of the chosen word or concept. Choosing the right word is crucial to writing a successful definition essay.

The overall structure of a definition paper is the same as any essay. Just remember that each body paragraph should explain the term in a different way.

How to Choose a Definition Essay Topic

Choosing the right topic can make or break your essay. What is a good topic for a definition essay? Concrete concepts may seem easy to write about, but they often defeat the purpose of the assignment by not letting the writer show their critical thinking and writing skills.

An abstract concept with disputed meanings or definition essay topics with multiple meanings will give you enough to write about, but choose something specific rather than broad. Paranoia is a better definition essay topic choice than just the concept of fear in general. Remember, you have to find a concept that you know enough to write about, but also one that you can fully explain in about 500 words or so.

Avoid choosing a noun about a place, person, or thing since they are concrete concepts and might not give you enough to write about. An abstract noun, referring to an idea and adjectives are better choices for a definition essay topic. For example, gaming rather than console.

Choose a word that you already have some information about or feel passionate about. The better you know the concept, the easier it will be to write.

Answering some questions will help you understand and decide on a word.

What is the Origin of the Word?

What are the roots of the word? What do the roots mean? How did the modern meaning of the word come to be? Understanding the roots of a word can give you insight into what the word truly means and be excellent research for your essay.

What is the Context of the Word?

Does the word mean the same thing in different contexts? It’s quite possible that the word means different things in different places, or that there are multiple meanings to the word that you aren’t aware of.

What are the Previous Versions of the Word?

The meanings of words tend to change over time. Sometimes it’s subtle and sometimes it’s drastic. Tracking the previous meaning of the word will give you insight into the evolution of its meaning.

What is the Common Modern Usage of the Word?

The way the word is used today should be the main explanation. By doing the research you make sure that you aren’t working with an outdated concept of the word.

Just because you now know how to choose a topic for your definition essay doesn’t mean that examples won’t be helpful. Here’s a list of 100 good definition essay topics across several categories.

Struggling with your Definition Essay Homework?

Get your assignments done by real pros. Save your precious time and boost your marks with ease.

Definition Essay Topics List by Category

Extended definition essay topics.

An extended definition essay has essentially the same purpose as a definition essay except it asks you to analyze the term even more deeply and gives you the opportunity to incorporate additional personal opinion. You can pinpoint the exact meaning of a term and explain why other meanings may be incorrect. Analyze the word by identifying its antonym (opposite). Delve deeper into the history and roots of the word to back your interpretations etc. The topic of an extended definition needs to be chosen carefully because there needs to be enough complexity to work with. Have a look at these definition essay topic ideas.

The difference between a “Novel” and other pieces of long-form writing.

Why poverty means different things in different countries

Is beauty really in the eye of the beholder?

My experiments with truth

Does faith actually require a leap?

The different forms of love

Is there really something as an “Ideal” form of something?

Why a home is more than a house

A stirring inside: Music

When are humans not acting?

Good Definition Argument Essay Topics

There are always going to be people on multiple sides of an issue. An argument definition essay gives you the chance to convince the reader of your perspective on a controversial or ill-defined concept. It lets you state what you feel and what side you’re on. Take a look at these topics for an argument definition essay.

Conspiracy theories are just as valid as mainstream theories

Deep dish versus New York: What makes a pizza a pizza?

Is emotional infidelity as bad as cheating?

Science fiction is the best literary genre

Sports are the ideal hobby

Is corporate social responsibility done for the wrong reasons?

The death penalty: Justice or arrogance?

Does secular mean all-inclusive or completely non-inclusive?

The difference between a freedom fighter and a rebel is which side wins

Patient care: A doctor who’s nice or a doctor who’s effective?

Definition Essay Topics for College

Definition essays assigned in college are expected to be masterfully written with nuance and subtle understanding of the concept being explored. The following are 10 examples of definition essay topics for college.

Is college the best path to upward social mobility?

Does maturity mean different things at different stages of life?

A personal account of personal independence

The misery of loneliness

How to define success

Bullying doesn’t end in high school, it evolves

Homesick for the very first time

The joy of self-determination

The importance of time management

Changing concepts of the self

Funny Definition Essay Topics

A definition essay can be a fantastic opportunity to showcase your wit! You can choose to play with an amusing concept, or explore an idea from an interesting viewpoint. Get inspired by the following topics.

Puppy love: How a dog feels about its master

Why dork is a worse insult than you think

Wrench: A useful tool? Or to take something away?

Lit: Not about candles anymore

I speak sarcasm

Facebook: Social media for old-timers

I think my dads going through a midlife crisis

Jokes for children and why they aren't funny anymore

Why a Lorry is not a truck

French fries weren’t invented in France

Controversial Definition Essay Topics

Writing about things you’re passionate about is a good decision when writing a definition essay. These controversial topics should ignite your passion, just make sure that you don’t get too carried away!

Vaccines have changed the course of humanity

War, what is it good for?

What is the purpose of incarceration?

Is happiness overrated?

Why being sad doesn’t mean being depressed

Gaming doesn’t rot your brain

Is it still addiction without a physical dependency?

Romantic love is a modern concept

Globalist is actually a compliment

Why nationalism is bad

Did you like our inspiring Definition Essay Guide?

For more help, tap into our pool of professional writers and get expert essay editing services!

Abstract Definition Essay Topics

Abstract topics for definition essay can be simple or incredibly complex. They give you the freedom to give your own interpretation (backed by supporting arguments) on words that have a fluid meaning.

Honor is valued differently by people

What does freedom mean for a refugee?

Schadenfreude: Pleasure at the misfortune of others

Compassion is the most valuable human trait

I’m the best at being humble

The speed of thought

Boredom: A state of mind

Why friendship means more than family

Humour is the best medicine

Spotting a charismatic person

Easy Definition Essay Topics

It’s completely fine If you don’t want to explore a complicated concept or you just want something easy to write about. Give the words dictionary definition, explain the perception of the word, and then add your personal thoughts. Feel free to use some of these good topics for a definition essay.

What makes a house a home?

Why vacations are important

Laughter is the best medicine

What family means to me?

What is democracy?

Popularity and why it’s important

My connection with worship

What exactly is science?

Why is a beach the perfect place to be?

Dancing is freedom

Definition Essay Topics on Love, Poetry, and Music

A topic that you feel emotional about is always a good choice, and nothing inspires passion more than love, poetry, and music.

Love: Pleasure through pain

Why plutonic love is the purest form of love

The fascinating ways love is expressed in different cultures

Poetry: Words that pull at the heart

Why poetry has always been admired

Do rap lyrics count as poetry?

Music: A language that every human speaks

Explaining different tastes in music

Music as the first form of human communication

The connection between dance and music

Definition Essay Topics on History, Politics, and Governance

Writing a definition essay about things you’re interested in or studying cut down on a lot of research time and can be more enjoyable. Or maybe your teacher assigned the general topic, in any case, here are some examples!

If history is written by the winners, do we really truly know what happened?

Are we doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past?

What is personal history?

The perception of politics in different places in the world

The origin of politics in early human civilizations

Politics: One for all or all for one?

Was the feudal system a form of social governance?

The changing role of governance in the 2020s

Governance: Serving the people or feeding one’s ego

The difference between politics and governance

Definition Essay Topics on Economics, Business, IT, and Commerce

If you’re aspiring to join the business world or want an MBA, you’ll have to know the definitions and complexities of many terms. A lot of concepts in economics, business, IT, and commerce are abstract and ill-defined, which makes them perfect for a definition essay. Have a look at some of these topic examples.

Is scarcity an artificial construct?

What does economic freedom really mean?

Economics in the middle ages

Business ethics in a globalized world

Is there a connection between busyness and business?

What makes a person a businessman?

The origins of the word “programming’

What information technology meant in the 1980s

Is free-market trade good for the world?

How monetary supply affects day to day life

This list of definition essay topics examples should set you on the right track!

Things to Keep in Mind

The structure of a definition essay is the same as any other essay. The challenge is in describing a word or concept in a compelling way while showing in-depth understanding. Choosing the right definition essay topics are the most important element of writing a successful definition essay. Here’s a summary of how to make sure you’ve chosen an appropriate topic

An abstract concept is better than a concrete concept
Make the term specific rather than broad
The word should have multiple meanings
A word with disputed meaning is a good choice
Choose a word that has a different meaning based on the context
Select a topic that you already understand well
Choose a term that you feel passionately about
Identify the origins of the word
Look into previous versions of the word
Track the history of the word

If you are looking for assistance with your academic writing, Studyfy is a comprehensive platform that offers a range of services to suit your needs. Whether you require history essay help , need someone to write my philosophy essay , or seek support with term paper writing service or nursing paper writing service , Studyfy can provide you with the necessary assistance. Additionally, if you need help with a definition essay, whether it be finding example topics or receiving help from essay editors and online proofreading services, Studyfy is the one-stop solution for all your academic needs. With the support of Studyfy's essay writing service online , you can produce high-quality papers and showcase your writing skills with confidence.

Featured Posts

Cause and effect essay topics.

180 Persuasive Essay Topics

150 Narrative Essay Topics

How to Write a Definition Essay: New Guide with Samples

Have you ever found it difficult to explain certain words or ideas? That's because understanding them isn't always easy. To avoid confusion, it's important to really understand the words we use and be able to explain them well.

That's why teachers often assign definition essays in high school and college. But these essays aren't just about repeating dictionary definitions. They dive deep into complex terms, exploring their rich backgrounds and meanings.

In this article, our rewrite essay service will cover different types of these papers, give you practical tips for writing them, and even provide examples to simplify this journey for you!

What is a Definition Essay

A definition essay is a type of writing assignment where you explain the meaning of a specific word or concept. Instead of just giving a simple definition from the dictionary, you dive deeper into what the word really means and explore its different aspects.

For instance, if you're tasked with defining 'success,' you might discuss what success means to different people, how it can vary based on cultural or societal norms, and whether it's purely based on achievements or encompasses personal fulfillment as well.

The purpose of writing definition essays in school is multifaceted. Firstly, it helps you refine your understanding of language by encouraging you to analyze words more critically. It also fosters your ability to think deeply and express complex ideas clearly. Additionally, it cultivates your skills in research, as you may need to gather evidence and examples to support your interpretation of the word or concept. Now that we've cleared the definition essay meaning, let's explain its common types in detail.

Definition Essay Examples

Here's a definition essay example from our custom essay service to help you understand what a good paper looks like. Take a look at how it's structured and formatted if you want to use it as a reference for your own work. And if you're interested, you can always buy essay cheap and get high-quality paper from our platform anytime.

Stuck on Words?

Our writers excel at turning ordinary ideas into extraordinary narratives.

Commonly Used Definition Essay Types

When choosing an intriguing term with a rich historical background for your definition essay, it's essential to carefully consider your options and determine the most effective approach. Here are some common types, as suggested by our dissertation writing help :

Analysis : Break down the topic into its constituent parts and define each part separately.
Classification : Determine the categories under which the topic can be classified.
Comparison : Highlight the uniqueness of the topic by comparing and contrasting it with more common subjects.
Details : Identify the key traits and distinctive qualities that best encapsulate the central idea of your essay.
Negation : Clarify what your topic is, not to narrow down its definition.
Origins and Causes : Explore the historical origins and background of the concept, examining where it first appeared and any relevant historical details.
Results, Effects, and Uses : Discuss the consequences, effects, and practical applications of the subject matter.

How to Write a Definition Essay

Just like with any writing, a definition essay structure involves an introduction, body, and conclusion. But what makes it interesting is what you explore in the body paragraphs.

For example, you could organize your definition essay outline by discussing the term from various angles. Start with a personal anecdote or story that illustrates the term in action. Then, provide a definition from a reputable source like a textbook or scholarly article. Next, consider interviewing people from different backgrounds to get their perspectives on the term. You could also analyze how the term has evolved over time, looking at historical examples or cultural shifts. Finally, offer your own interpretation of the term, drawing on your own experiences and insights.

For a more in-depth guide on writing a definition essay, let's explore the following sections provided by our experienced research paper writer .

Definition Essay Introduction

In the beginning stages of a definition essay, your reader gets their first taste of what your topic entails. It's crucial that this introduction is both informative and captivating, setting the stage for the rest of your essay. Here's what you need to include:

Start with something attention-grabbing, like a thought-provoking question or an interesting fact.
Provide a brief overview of the topic and why it's important to define it.
Clearly state the term you're defining and your interpretation of it.

Definition Essay Body Paragraphs

In your essay, break down the phrase into its different parts, look at it from various angles, and then provide a relevant explanation. Depending on what your assignment calls for, you might need more than three paragraphs. Feel free to mix up the order or add sections depending on how complex the term is. Here are some ideas for what you can include:

Start by talking about where the term came from and how it has changed over time. Understanding its origins can give insight into its meaning and significance.
Look up the official definition of the term and compare it to your own understanding. This can help clarify any differences and give a broader perspective.
Share your own thoughts and interpretation of the term, using examples or stories to illustrate your point. Your personal experiences can add depth and context to your analysis.
Find a definition or explanation from an expert or scholar in the field and discuss how it aligns or differs with your own perspective. This can provide credibility and further insight into the term.
Explore how the term is used in popular culture and what it reveals about societal values and beliefs. This can shed light on how the term is understood and interpreted in different contexts.

Definition Essay Conclusion

In the concluding paragraph, you should tie everything together neatly. Here's how you can structure your conclusion:

Remind the reader of your main points and why the definition of the term is important.
Highlight how having a clear understanding of the term can influence our thoughts and actions. This is where you show the broader significance of your analysis.
Encourage your audience to apply the term accurately in their own discussions and advocate for precision in defining terms within their communities. This empowers readers to take action based on what they've learned.

Tips for Definition Essay Writing Process

Now that we're nearing the end, you might have already grasped how to write a definition essay. However, if you still feel like you're threading a needle while wearing mittens, fear not! Our essay writer has laid out some nifty guidelines to help you ace this challenge:

Choose a term with depth, something that's not ordinary but has a rich backstory and multiple meanings. Think of it like picking a word that's like a Russian nesting doll – there's plenty to explore.
Use vivid language to paint a picture that engages the senses. For instance, when talking about 'love,' describe the warmth of a hug, the sweetness of Valentine's chocolates, or the sound of laughter with a partner. It helps your readers feel like they're right there with you.
Explore both the positive and negative associations of your term. Words aren't simple; they come with different meanings. For example, 'power' can mean strength and influence but can also be linked to negative things like abuse and control.
Use real-life examples to make your points clear in your definition essay. Whether you're talking about successful people from different fields or sharing stories that illustrate 'love,' concrete examples help readers understand.
Be creative with your approach. Use metaphors, illustrations, or humor to keep things interesting. Remember, it's your essay – make it come alive!

Final Words

As we wrap up, we trust you've grasped the ins and outs of how to write a definition essay and feel inspired to tackle your own. Nobody wants to be left scratching their head over complex topics, right? So why not leverage our academic writing assistance to your advantage? Whether you need help brainstorming extended topics, crafting a sharp analytical piece, or any other form of writing, we've got you covered. Say goodbye to confusion and ignorance – Order essay and let us guide you toward clarity and knowledge.

Want to Get Your Task Done ASAP?

Leave us a notice and get help from professional writers!

How to Write a Summary of a Book with an Example

Definition Essay

Definition Essay - Writing Guide, Examples and Tips

14 min read

Published on: Oct 9, 2020

Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024

What is a Definition Essay?

Just as the name suggests, a definition essay defines and explains a term or a concept. Unlike a narrative essay, the purpose of writing this essay is only to inform the readers.

Writing this essay type can be deceivingly tricky. Some terms, concepts, and objects have concrete definitions when explained. In contrast others are solely based on the writerâs understanding and point of view.

A definition essay requires a writer to use different approaches when discussing a term. These approaches are the following:

Denotation - It is when you provide a literal or academic definition of the term.
Connotation - It is when the writer provides an implied meaning or definition of the term.
Enumeration - For this approach, a list is employed to define a term or a concept.
Analogy - It is a technique in which something is defined by implementing a comparison.
Negation - It is when you define a term by stating what it is not.

A single or combination of approaches can be used in the essay.

Definition Essay Types

There are several types of definition essays that you may be asked to write, depending on the purpose and scope of the assignment.

In this section, we will discuss some of the most common types of definition essays.

Descriptive Definition Essay

This type of essay provides a detailed description of a term or concept, emphasizing its key features and characteristics.

The goal of a descriptive definition essay is to help readers understand the term or concept in a more profound way.

Stipulative Definition Essay

In a stipulative definition essay, the writer provides a unique definition of a term or concept. This type of essay is often used in academic settings to define a term in a particular field of study.

The goal of a stipulative definition essay is to provide a precise and clear definition that is specific to the context of the essay.

Analytical Definition Essay

This compare and contrast essay type involves analyzing a term or concept in-depth. Breaking it down into its component parts, and examining how they relate to each other.

The goal of an analytical definition essay is to provide a more nuanced and detailed understanding of the term or concept being discussed.

Persuasive Definition Essay

A persuasive definition essay is an argumentative essay that aims to persuade readers to accept a particular definition of a term or concept.

The writer presents their argument for the definition and uses evidence and examples to support their position.

Explanatory Definition Essay

An explanatory definition essay is a type of expository essay . It aims to explain a complex term or concept in a way that is easy to understand for the reader.

The writer breaks down the term or concept into simpler parts and provides examples and analogies to help readers understand it better.

Extended Definition Essay

An extended definition essay goes beyond the definition of a word or concept and provides a more in-depth analysis and explanation.

The goal of an extended definition essay is to provide a comprehensive understanding of a term, concept, or idea. This includes its history, origins, and cultural significance.

How to Write a Definition Essay?

Writing a definition essay is simple if you know the correct procedure. This essay, like all the other formal pieces of documents, requires substantial planning and effective execution.

The following are the steps involved in writing a definition essay effectively:

Instead of choosing a term that has a concrete definition available, choose a word that is complicated . Complex expressions have abstract concepts that require a writer to explore deeper. Moreover, make sure that different people perceive the term selected differently.

Once you have a word to draft your definition essay for, read the dictionary. These academic definitions are important as you can use them to compare your understanding with the official concept.

Drafting a definition essay is about stating the dictionary meaning and your explanation of the concept. So the writer needs to have some information about the term.

In addition to this, when exploring the term, make sure to check the termâs origin. The history of the word can make you discuss it in a better way.

Coming up with an exciting title for your essay is important. The essay topic will be the first thing that your readers will witness, so it should be catchy.

Creatively draft an essay topic that reflects meaning. In addition to this, the usage of the term in the title should be correctly done. The readers should get an idea of what the essay is about and what to expect from the document.

Now that you have a topic in hand, it is time to gather some relevant information. A definition essay is more than a mere explanation of the term. It represents the writerâs perception of the chosen term and the topic.

So having only personal opinions will not be enough to defend your point. Deeply research and gather information by consulting credible sources.

The gathered information needs to be organized to be understandable. The raw data needs to be arranged to give a structure to the content.

Here's a generic outline for a definition essay:

Are you searching for an in-depth guide on crafting a well-structured definition essay?Check out this definition essay outline blog!

6. Write the First Draft

Drafting each section correctly is a daunting task. Understanding what or what not to include in these sections requires a writer to choose wisely.

The start of your essay matters a lot. If it is on point and attractive, the readers will want to read the text. As the first part of the essay is the introduction , it is considered the first impression of your essay.

To write your definition essay introduction effectively, include the following information:

Start your essay with a catchy hook statement that is related to the topic and the term chosen.
State the generally known definition of the term. If the word chosen has multiple interpretations, select the most common one.
Provide background information precisely. Determine the origin of the term and other relevant information.
Shed light on the other unconventional concepts and definitions related to the term.
Decide on the side or stance you want to pick in your essay and develop a thesis statement .

After briefly introducing the topic, fully explain the concept in the body section . Provide all the details and evidence that will support the thesis statement. To draft this section professionally, add the following information:

A detailed explanation of the history of the term.
Analysis of the dictionary meaning and usage of the term.
A comparison and reflection of personal understanding and the researched data on the concept.

Once all the details are shared, give closure to your discussion. The last paragraph of the definition essay is the conclusion . The writer provides insight into the topic as a conclusion.

The concluding paragraphs include the following material:

Summary of the important points.
Restated thesis statement.
A final verdict on the topic.

7. Proofread and Edit

Although the writing process ends with the concluding paragraph, there is an additional step. It is important to proofread the essay once you are done writing. Proofread and revise your document a couple of times to make sure everything is perfect.

Before submitting your assignment, make edits, and fix all mistakes and errors.

If you want to learn more about how to write a definition essay, here is a video guide for you!

Definition Essay Structure

The structure of a definition essay is similar to that of any other academic essay. It should consist of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

However, the focus of a definition essay is on defining and explaining a particular term or concept.

In this section, we will discuss the structure of a definition essay in detail.

Introduction

Get the idea of writing an introduction for a definition essay with this example:

Body Paragraphs

Here is an example of how to craft your definition essay body paragraph:

Types of the Term/Concept

If applicable, the writer may want to include a section that discusses the different types or categories of the term or concept being defined.

This section should explain the similarities and differences between the types, using examples and anecdotes to illustrate the points.

Examples of the Term/Concept in Action

The writer should also include real-life examples of the term or concept being defined in action.

This will help the reader better understand the term or concept in context and how it is used in everyday life.

Conclusion

This example will help you writing a conclusion fo you essay:

Definition Essay Examples

It is important to go through some examples and samples before writing an essay. This is to understand the writing process and structure of the assigned task well.

Following are some examples of definition essays to give our students a better idea of the concept.

Understanding the Definition Essay

Definition Essay Example

Definition Essay About Friendship

Definition Essay About Love

Family Definition Essay

Success Definition Essay

Beauty Definition Essay

Definition Essay Topics

Selecting the right topic is challenging for other essay types. However, picking a suitable theme for a definition essay is equally tricky yet important. Pick an interesting subject to ensure maximum readership.

If you are facing writerâs block, here is a list of some great definition essay topics for your help. Choose from the list below and draft a compelling essay.

Authenticity
Sustainability
Mindfulness

Here are some more extended definition essay topics:

Social media addiction
Ethical implications of gene editing
Personalized learning in the digital age
Ecosystem services
Cultural assimilation versus cultural preservation
Sustainable fashion
Gender equality in the workplace
Financial literacy and its impact on personal finance
Ethical considerations in artificial intelligence
Welfare state and social safety nets

Need more topics? Check out this definition essay topics blog!

Definition Essay Writing Tips

Knowing the correct writing procedure is not enough if you are not aware of the essayâs small technicalities. To help students write a definition essay effortlessly, expert writers of CollegeEssay.org have gathered some simple tips.

These easy tips will make your assignment writing phase easy.

Choose an exciting yet informative topic for your essay.
When selecting the word, concept, or term for your essay, make sure you have the knowledge.
When consulting a dictionary for the definition, provide proper referencing as there are many choices available.
To make the essay informative and credible, always provide the origin and history of the term.
Highlight different meanings and interpretations of the term.
Discuss the transitions and evolution in the meaning of the term in any.
Provide your perspective and point of view on the chosen term.

Following these tips will guarantee you better grades in your academics.

By following the step-by-step approach explained in this guide, you will acquire the skills to craft an outstanding essay.

Struggling with the thought, " write my college essay for m e"? Look no further.

Our dedicated definition essay writing service is here to craft the perfect essay that meets your academic needs.

For an extra edge, explore our AI essay writer , a tool designed to refine your essays to perfection.

Barbara P (Literature, Marketing)

Barbara is a highly educated and qualified author with a Ph.D. in public health from an Ivy League university. She has spent a significant amount of time working in the medical field, conducting a thorough study on a variety of health issues. Her work has been published in several major publications.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

Legal & Policies

Privacy Policy
Cookies Policy
Terms of Use
Refunds & Cancellations
Our Writers
Success Stories
Our Guarantees
Affiliate Program
Referral Program
AI Essay Writer

Disclaimer: All client orders are completed by our team of highly qualified human writers. The essays and papers provided by us are not to be used for submission but rather as learning models only.

115 Outstanding Definition Essay Topics for Students

Table of Contents

Definition essays are nothing new in academics. For years, academicians used this as a tool to check students’ knowledge of the basics of the subject apart from assessing their interpretation of the theme. However, writing a definition is not as easy as a narrative or descriptive essay. Deep and sound acquaintance with the idea is a must, which unfortunately is often lacking in most students. In case, you have no idea how to craft a definition essay or if you are hunting for amazing definition essay topics, then this blog can be of great help to you. From here, you can get a list of 100+ definition essay ideas and also learn how to pick an ideal topic out of them all.

What is a Definition Essay?

A definition essay is a rhetorical style of writing essays that creates an impact upon a reader by explaining a term, idea, or concept. For example, if you are talking to a friend unfamiliar with the game of Golf and the tactics of playing it, you may need to define the term ‘slicing’ to talk about it. Similarly, those new to tropical fishes might never know what ‘koi’ is and need the term to be defined. Hence the primary aim of developing definition essays is to explain the concept of the definition essay topic before you place the arguments and move forward with the essay contents.

Definition Essay Topic Selection Tips

If you know what the definition of essay writing means, it becomes easy to look for the characters in an essay topic that would help to set your writing apart from the rest. If you are still confused about what features to look for in a definition essay topic, then follow these simple tips:

Don’t go for topics that have just a single meaning.
Select a term that can be interpreted in multiple ways.
Choose an exclusive word that can capture your reader’s eyes.
Go with trending topics
Stay away from selecting words from which you don’t have a clear idea.

List of Captivating Definition Essay Topics

Are you looking for some engaging topics to make your definition essay? Then, take a look at the 104 entrancing ideas listed below.

Unique Definition Argument Essay Topics

Are you in search of definition topics on arguments for writing your essay? Find a few exclusive ones from the list below.

How to describe an argument?
The term argument — comprehensive meanings and explanation.
Mistreatment or ill-treatment — a closer look at ‘dispute’ as a word.
Interpreting ‘disagreement’ as a term.
Definition essay on ‘squabble’.
The idea of explaining an argument.
Restricting the complete meaning of an argument.
The application of the term ’argument’ in Victorian times.
How would you define the term ‘argument’?
A complete breakdown of the word arguments.

Simple Definition Essay Topics

Forging some definition essay ideas to design your college assignments? Find selected definition essay themes from the list below.

The idea of ‘college’
What is the idea of an ideal college?
What does ‘college’ mean?
College: The development of a term.
College: What does it truly mean?
What is a college in practical terms?
How many ways can you define the term ‘college’
What would be your definition of the term a good college?
Where did the story of college originate?
If you had to explain what college means to you, how would you define it?

Best Technology Topics for Definition Essay

Do you want to write your definition essay on technology? Get the ideas on technology presented in this list.

Defining tools based on Artificial Intelligence in the automotive industry.
How would you define “automation”
What would be the definition of the importance of digital blackboards in education?
How would you define the necessity of Technical Education in 2023?
Define technology through the eyes of ease of accessibility.
Can racism exist in technology distribution?
Role of technology in daily life. A definition through the lens of philosophy.

Trending Happiness Definition Paper Ideas

Want to use the theme of happiness for developing your definition essay topics? Then, these ideas can be helpful for you.

What is happiness in the biblical sense?
Would you call Happiness a myth?
What is the Concept of happiness: a look at the journey through the ages?
Explain happiness in an abstract sense.
What are the different meanings of happiness?
How would you define the term ‘happiness’ in academic writing?
What would be the definition of happiness from the American perspective?
Imagine yourself as a dictionary. Explain how a day in the dictionary would be if it had to define happiness to a different individual.
The happiness perspective: sense and thoughts from a pet dog’s perspective.
The many faces of happiness in a person’s life.

Distinctive Definition Essay Topics on Freedom

Did your teacher ask you to develop your definition essay on freedom? Find the best definition essay topics here.

Definition of the intangible term: freedom.
Cross-examination of the term ‘freedom’.
A juggle between reality and fantasy: your perception of the meaning of freedom.
Freedom as an imaginary term: source and relevance.
The true, undeclared intellect of freedom.
Perception of the idea of freedom.
A thorough depiction of the expression of freedom.
What is the typical significance of freedom?
Genesis of ‘freedom’ as a statement.
What is the true meaning of freedom?

Read more: Excellent Environmental Essay Topics To Explore and Write About

Handpicked Extended Definition Essay Topics

Here are 7 handpicked extended definition essay topics for you.

Spiritual bigotry in Pakistan.
How would you define a true friendship in the 21 st century?
What is your definition of trust in modern American society?
Elucidate the idea of sportsmanship in college.
What value does being a team player add to a business?
Define a creative mind from your perspective.
What are the different types and phases of peer pressure?

Distinguished Definition Essay Topics on Family

Find here the most impressive definition essay ideas on the family.

The implicit implication of the term “family”.
Write a short essay on the term family.
A definitive assignment on the term ‘family’
‘Family’ at a glance – is it a concept or an institution?
Understand the term family.
The accurate wisdom of the term family.
Share your American approach to the definition of family.
How would you the word ‘family’ in academic essays?
How to describe expressions: an illustration of ‘family’
Family: potential meaning and basis.

Engaging Definition Essay Topics on Altercation

Are you trying to pick a controversial expression in definition argument essay topics? Find the best ideas.

‘Healthy eating and its effect on general well-being – How would you define the statement?
How does the definition of success vary from person to person?
Is cultural misappropriation harmful to society?
Social media addiction and its negative impact on the mental health of children.
How does fake news impact society?
What is your definition of privacy in the age of round-the-clock digital existence? How is privacy challenged today?
Impact of gun control in lowering violence through ammunition in America.
Gender identity- What is the importance of its acceptance in the society of America?
Define hate speech. How does it violate the freedom to speak?
How would you define climate change? Why is it needed to take urgent action to address it?

Easy Definition Essay Prompts

If you are in search of liberated definition essay topics, these topics will help you out.

A different explanation of being ugly.
The characteristics of a hero are founded on the story of Pride and Prejudice.
How would you describe success if you have to take an example from the story – Queen?
How would you mean existing in poverty from different perspectives?
What are the qualities that every college lecturer must possess?
How would you define the feminist movement in America?
Campus vs. home the better conditions for studies.
What can a university degree bring to the life of a modern person?
Compare contemporary art or classic drawings in America.
Onomatopoeia, poetry, & sound patterns.

Creative Extended Definition Essay Questions

Find the top-rated extended definition topics here.

Procedures of chastisement parents take to maintain a healthy family.
Basic indication of a healthy weight.
Distinction & resemblance between self-assurance, self-improvement, & self-administration.
Qualities that bring out the generosity of a person.
Facts that establish that the FBI infringes on the rights of American citizens
Bad trainers & the negative cost of their training.
What does frenemy mean and how is it used?
Factors that spot that a person is selfish.
Technique to deal with idleness. What are its implications?
Find out the qualities of protagonists rooted in the movies of Marvel.

Read more: Great Discursive Essay Topics for Students to Deal With

Excellent Definition Essay Topics

Need some definition essay topics to build your university assignments? Get the top topics here.

How would you define critical thinking and its significance in a college education?
Define academic success and state how it can be achieved
What do you mean by campus culture? How does it impact on student’s life?
How would you explain sustainability and why is it important in higher education?
What is diversity? Talk about the role it plays in promoting completeness on campus.
How would you define leadership and what is its significance in college and professional life?
Why is teamwork an essential trait in humans? What is its role in group assignments and projects?
What is academic integrity? Why is it important to maintain ethical standards?
How would you define time management? What is its relevance to your success in a college education?
Explain career readiness and the skills desirable to succeed in professional work after graduation.

Awesome Definition Essay Topics

The following are some awesome definition essay questions that you can consider for your school assignments.

Explain what bankruptcy is.
Define heteronormativity and share information about its origins.
What is a wedding & which attributes represent it?
Define the connection between dreams and happiness
What is Feminism?
Define money in the context of freedom
What is the digital revolution?
Define democracy
What is bullying?
What is anarchy?
Define transhumanism.

Wrapping Up

Out of the different ideas suggested in this blog, choose the one that matches your requirements and compose a top-score fetching definition essay. In case, you are unaware of how to write a definition essay or if you experience difficulties in identifying the right definition essay topic for your assignment, approach us immediately. On our platform, we have numerous talented essay helpers to prepare and deliver high-quality and plagiarism-free definition essays. In specific, as per your needs, our professionals will help you with definition essay topic selection, writing, and proofreading. Moreover, by taking essay help service from our finest academic writers, you can also complete your work prior to the deadline and achieve the highest possible grades.

Don’t hesitate! Just share your essay writing guidelines with us through the order form present on our website and buy a customized definition essay on any topic at a marginal rate.

220 Amazing Religious Research Paper Topics and Ideas

Read and Understand How to Write a Research Proposal

100+ Controversial Research Topics and Ideas to Focus On

About author.

https://www.assignmenthelppro.com/

Comments are closed.

Featured Posts

140 Unique Geology Research Topics to Focus On

200+ outstanding world history topics and ideas 2023, 190 excellent ap research topics and ideas, 150+ trending group discussion topics and ideas, 170 funny speech topics to blow the minds of audience, who invented exams learn the history of examination, how to focus on reading 15 effective tips for better concentration, what is a rhetorical analysis essay and how to write it, primary school teacher in australia- eligibility, job role, career options, and salary, 4 steps to build a flawless business letter format, get help instantly.

Raise Your Grades with Assignment Help Pro

Questions? Call us:

Email:

How it works
Testimonials

Essay Writing

Essay service
Essay writers
College essay service
Write my essay
Pay for essay
Essay topics

Term Paper Writing

Term paper service
Buy term papers
Term paper help
Term paper writers
College term papers
Write my term paper
Pay for term paper
Term paper topic

Research Paper Writing

Research paper service
Buy research paper
Research paper help
Research paper writers
College research papers
Write my research paper
Pay for research paper
Research paper topics

Dissertation Writing

Dissertation service
Buy dissertation
Dissertation help
Dissertation writers
College thesis
Write my dissertation
Pay for dissertation
Dissertation topics

Other Services

Custom writing services
Speech writing service
Movie review writing
Editing service
Assignment writing
Article writing service
Book report writing
Book review writing

Popular request:

Top 200 definition essay topics for all.

April 20, 2021

Essay writing can be hard if you don’t have the right essay topics. Most students need to make sure they choose a topic that they can adequately research, organize, and write about. A definition essay is a type of writing assignment that asks students to define a term, concept, or idea. Students cannot just provide a dictionary definition; students must extend the definition using well-thought examples. This list of definition essay topics covers a variety of areas. The topics are free to use and share with others.

Easy Definition Essay Topics

Students that learning how to write these types of essays should stick with a simple topic for definition essay that they can easily research and write about. Any student at the middle school or high school level should have no trouble working on the following:

What is trust essay
What is the definition of hatred?
What is the meaning of laziness?
What does it mean to be a first-world country?
What is the meaning of democracy?
What does it mean to be a hero?
What is the definition of a charismatic personality?
What is the definition of respecting one’s elders?
What is the definition of friendship?
What does it mean to be a coward?
What is the definition of jealousy?
What is the definition of being academically successful?
What is the definition of being a good student?
What is the definition of a good pet?
What is the bad way of breaking up with a partner?
What is the easiest way to change the oil on your car?
What does it mean to have a hit song?
What is meant by achieving academic success?
What does it mean to be a good student?
What do humans need to do to achieve peace?

Good Definition Paper Topics

A great definition essay topic should not pose difficult situations for students. Students can write about something they are familiar with and research what they are most comfortable with:

What makes a person kind or mean?
How does one define charisma in the 21 st century?
What does it mean to have a bad sense of humor?
What does it mean to love somebody unconditionally?
When athletes claim a person is a team player, what does it mean?
What does it mean to be optimistic during a pandemic?
What does it mean to be pessimistic during a pandemic?
What is the current definition of natural beauty?
What was the definition of beauty in the 1960s?
How does one give respect in the modern world?
What is the definition of happiness in today’s society?
What does it mean to have the dedication to succeed?
What is meant when experts warn of an economic recession?
What is meant when people achieve academic success?
What is meant by events that are from an “Act of God”?
What is meant when people find the perfect relationship?
How does one offer support to a loved one?
What is meant by alcoholic dependence?
What is the definition of entrepreneurship?
What is the definition of a professional internship?

Argument of Definition Topics

Some of the best topics for definition essay deal with everyday debates. These are the things people talk about often and make for great argumentative assignments:

What are the likely programming languages of the future?
What impact has the internet had on communication?
What are the characteristics of a government bailout?
What are the pros and cons of online learning?
What are the characteristics of an economic package?
What does it mean for a government to buy out a corporation?
What is the meaning of a good work ethic?
What are the characteristics managers use to hire employees?
What is meant by a generational talent in sports?
What does it mean to be artistic or creative?
What does it mean to create good art?
What is the meaning of a good soundtrack?
What is meant by having good common sense?
What does it mean to be a good professional athlete?
What does it mean to pay respect to others?
What is the definition of a dynasty in professional sports?
What does it mean to have the latest technology in business?
How does one provide child support in today’s economy?
How does one achieve true leadership?
What does it mean to be a loving parent?

Great Hot Topics Definition

The following topics for a definition essay work well for assignments you have about a week or two to complete. You can find ample information on the web, but you should rely more on academic resources you find at the library:

What does it mean to be addicted to pain medications?
How is veritable leadership defined in the workplace?
How is society progress defined in today’s world?
What is the meaning of eternal forgiveness in societies?
How do people exhibit respect and equality toward others?
What does it mean to be objective to art?
What does it mean to be loyal to one’s parents?
How does one explain racism to a child?
What is the definition of bigotry?
When can a political system for punishment be called just?
What is the definition of good parenting?
When is a child considered well-behaved?
What is the definition of a patriarchal system?
How is feminism defined in the 21 st century?
What does it mean to be a feminist in today’s world?
What is the difference between masculinity and femininity?
What does it mean to be a good parent?
What is the definition of being a good person?
What does gender equality mean?
What does it mean to be a third-world country?

Controversial Topics Definition

These topics for definition essays are controversial and will certainly gain a lot of attention. Be sure you commit enough time to find great resources that will back up your definitions:

What are the responsibilities of a first-world country?
What makes students lose interest in academic work?
What is the definition of a fun time at prom?
What does it mean to be a consenting adult?
What does it mean to have the perfect body?
How should the media portray young females on television?
What is meant by having the perfect relationship?
What is the meaning of a perfect marriage?
What is the definition of an extended family?
What does it mean to be mentally challenged?
What does it mean to have perfect children?
What constitutes cheating in a relationship?
What is the definition of a common-law marriage?
What is needed to get an annulment in the U.S.?
What is the definition of an arranged marriage?
What is the definition of an immediate family?
What is the meaning of a hit musical record?
What is the meaning of international diplomacy?
What constitutes an unfair criminal trial?
What does it mean to be sexually mature?

Definition Essay Topics for College

As students become more familiar with this type of assignment and as they advance to higher academic levels, they will need to choose good definition essay topics that meet or surpass the standards of their instructors’ expectations. Here is a list targeted toward college-level students:

What is the definition of academic sabotage?
What does it mean to cheat on a test?
What does it mean to develop mental strength?
What is the meaning of academic stress?
What does it mean to colonize a foreign territory?
What is the meaning of good fashion sense?
What is the meaning of good taste in music?
What is the definition of a rebellion?
What does it mean to be heroic in today’s world?
What is the definition of heroism in a technology-driven world?
What do people mean when they say gambling addiction?
What does it mean to have internet privacy?
What does it mean to protest in the 21 st century?
What is the meaning of constitutional rights?
What does it mean to have independence from parents?
What is meant when the media talks about white privilege?
What defines a terrorist threat?
What is meant when people refer to domestic terrorism?
What does feminism mean in the 21 st century?
What can be defined as a modern revolution?

Definition Speech Topics

These definition essay topics examples can be used for both speech presentations and written assignments. They are perfect for all academic levels and are relatively easy to research using online and print resources:

What does it mean to be a good parent in a technology-based world?
What does it mean to give children their privacy?
What does it mean to apologize to one’s children?
What does it mean to give children freedom in today’s world?
What does it mean to have a cultural history?
What is the definition of accountability?
What is meant by the term “teacher’s pet”?
What does it mean to be connected to one’s heritage?
What does it mean to have a fair election?
What does it mean to be a good role model for your kids?
What does it mean to be a good role model for society?
What is meant by a morally just act of war?
What defines a justified military attack on a city?
What does it mean to be addicted to caffeine?
What is the definition of an inappropriate teacher-student relationship?
What are the major causes of global warming?
What is the reasoning behind human cloning?
What were the major characteristics of the 60s hippie movement?
What is the meaning of independent sovereignty?
What is meant by the perfect poker hand?

Funny Definition Essay Topics

There are many occasions where using humor is a great way of handling definition topics. Students can often write freely without having to do much research. Here is a list that may be suitable for these occasions:

What is the definition of being a bad tourist?
What are the characteristics of a poser?
What is a kind of music you are embarrassed to hear?
What does it mean to help the upper class?
Which season is the best one for slacking off?
Which is the best type of pet?
What is the hardest subject in school?
What is the definition of dark humor?
What can be expected from next year’s television programs?
What was the hardest part about wearing masks during quarantine?
Why don’t we feel our planet rotating around the sun?
Why can’t cough people cough and sneeze at the same time?
What is the reason we haven’t come into contact with aliens?
What makes it hard for us to be polite to others?
What is the meaning of slapstick humor?
What does it mean to be rich in life?
What makes for a good television sitcom?
What does it mean to be a typical tourist?
What do people mean when people roll their eyes?
What is the definition of ironic comedy?

Creative Definition Essay Topics

Some of the best essays come from a careful selection of definition paper topics. Creative essay ideas and challenge students is a great way of attracting attention and earning a high score on an assignment:

What does it mean to be poor?
What defines a historical figure?
What is the definition of offensive language?
What is meant by the term social anarchist?
What does it mean to live in a monarchy?
What does it mean to ban free speech?
How do checks and balances in the United States work?
What is the purpose of a standardized test?
What does it mean to Ghostlight somebody?
What is global capitalism?
What are the characteristics of a socialist government?
What does mass media mean to different societies?
What makes for a good piece of writing?
What does freedom of the press mean in the U.S.?
What is the definition of a well-written essay?
What does it mean to censor offensive language?
What are the characteristics of a democratic society?
Who was Nero and why was he important?
What did Stalin do that was condemned by others?
What does liberal ideology mean?

Extended Definition Topics

With this type of essay, you may want to include things like etymology and historical context to define an idea. Here is a definition essay topics list that meets these requirements:

What is meant to have self-respect in today’s world?
What is meant by showing courage during difficult situations?
What is the definition of contempt in court?
What is the meaning of greatness in society?
What is the definition of emotional abuse?
What is the meaning of a manslaughter charge?
What does it mean to be pessimistic about climate change?
How is one’s legacy defined by his successes?
What is the meaning of higher education?
What is the meaning of unconditional love?
What is the definition of statutory rape?
What is the meaning of being loyal?
What is the definition of a good university?
What is the meaning of the term argument?
What is the definition of an avid reader?
What is the meaning of greatness in sports?
What is the meaning of a plea bargain?
What is the meaning of spousal abuse?
What does it mean to be knowledgeable of world events?
What does it mean to be patriotic in today’s world?

All the definition essay topics from our professional writer service can be shared and modified to fit assignment requirements. The topics definition can be sued for long and short projects. Students should try to choose a topic that interests them so that the process of researching and forming arguments will be less challenging.

Take a break from writing.

Top academic experts are here for you.

How To Write An Autobiography Guideline And Useful Advice
182 Best Classification Essay Topics To Learn And Write About
How To Manage Stress In College: Top Practical Tips
How To Write A Narrative Essay: Definition, Tips, And A Step-by-Step Guide
How To Write Article Review Like Professional
Great Problem Solution Essay Topics
Creating Best Stanford Roommate Essay
Costco Essay – Best Writing Guide
How To Quote A Dialogue
Wonderful Expository Essay Topics
Research Paper Topics For 2020
Interesting Persuasive Essay Topics

Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Choosing a Topic

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

The first step of any research paper is for the student to understand the assignment. If this is not done, the student will often travel down many dead-end roads, wasting a great deal of time along the way. Do not hesitate to approach the instructor with questions if there is any confusion. A clear understanding of the assignment will allow you to focus on other aspects of the process, such as choosing a topic and identifying your audience.

A student will often encounter one of two situations when it comes to choosing a topic for a research paper. The first situation occurs when the instructor provides a list of topics from which the student may choose. These topics have been deemed worthy by the instructor; therefore, the student should be confident in the topic he chooses from the list. Many first-time researchers appreciate such an arrangement by the instructor because it eliminates the stress of having to decide upon a topic on their own.

However, the student may also find the topics that have been provided to be limiting; moreover, it is not uncommon for the student to have a topic in mind that does not fit with any of those provided. If this is the case, it is always beneficial to approach the instructor with one's ideas. Be respectful, and ask the instructor if the topic you have in mind would be a possible research option for the assignment. Remember, as a first-time researcher, your knowledge of the process is quite limited; the instructor is experienced, and may have very precise reasons for choosing the topics she has offered to the class. Trust that she has the best interests of the class in mind. If she likes the topic, great! If not, do not take it personally and choose the topic from the list that seems most interesting to you.

The second situation occurs when the instructor simply hands out an assignment sheet that covers the logistics of the research paper, but leaves the choice of topic up to the student. Typically, assignments in which students are given the opportunity to choose the topic require the topic to be relevant to some aspect of the course; so, keep this in mind as you begin a course in which you know there will be a research paper near the end. That way, you can be on the lookout for a topic that may interest you. Do not be anxious on account of a perceived lack of authority or knowledge about the topic chosen. Instead, realize that it takes practice to become an experienced researcher in any field.

For a discussion of Evaluating Sources, see Evaluating Sources of Information .

Methods for choosing a topic

Thinking early leads to starting early. If the student begins thinking about possible topics when the assignment is given, she has already begun the arduous, yet rewarding, task of planning and organization. Once she has made the assignment a priority in her mind, she may begin to have ideas throughout the day. Brainstorming is often a successful way for students to get some of these ideas down on paper. Seeing one's ideas in writing is often an impetus for the writing process. Though brainstorming is particularly effective when a topic has been chosen, it can also benefit the student who is unable to narrow a topic. It consists of a timed writing session during which the student jots down—often in list or bulleted form—any ideas that come to his mind. At the end of the timed period, the student will peruse his list for patterns of consistency. If it appears that something seems to be standing out in his mind more than others, it may be wise to pursue this as a topic possibility.

It is important for the student to keep in mind that an initial topic that you come up with may not be the exact topic about which you end up writing. Research topics are often fluid, and dictated more by the student's ongoing research than by the original chosen topic. Such fluidity is common in research, and should be embraced as one of its many characteristics.

The Purdue OWL also offers a number of other resources on choosing and developing a topic:

Understanding Writing Assignments
Starting the Writing Process
Invention Slide Presentation

A Guide to Library Research

Topic selection.

Search Strategies
Evaluating Information
Library vs Internet
Books and Ebooks
Films and Images
Citing Sources
Additional Campus Resources
Mahalo & Evaluation

Also, make sure your topic isn't too broad. Information on the Black Lives Matter movement is extensive and could easily fill a book, so focus on a smaller subtopic. Simple subtopics address the “who, what, where, when, or how” of an issue. Examples:

the beginning of the movement
the use of excessive police force
the criticism of BLM

Finally, be flexible with your ideas or intent. Even though you have a topic that interests you, it does not mean that in-depth information has been written about it. If that is the case, slightly shift the focus of your topic based on the availability of resources.

Watch the following videos about ways to develop your topic.

Developing a Topic Video from the Oregon School Library Information System (4:19)

Library Databases to Help with Topic Selection

Opposing Viewpoints, Issues & Controversies, and CQ Researcher provide excellent background information as well as lists of suggested issues to browse. If you’re writing an argument essay, these e-resources allow you to explore various viewpoints on current topics or hot button issues.

Video on how to use Opposing ViewPoints to find a topic (runtime 1:15)
Video on how to narrow your topic using Opposing ViewPoints (runtime 1:13)
Video on how to use Issues & Controversies (runtime 5:42)
Video on how to use CQ Researcher (runtime 2:28)
<< Previous: Getting Started
Next: Keywords >>
Last Updated: Apr 12, 2024 9:32 AM
URL: https://library.honolulu.hawaii.edu/library_research_guide

Introduction to Topic Selection

Evaluate topic selection activities.

I have likened writing . . . to going on a journey, with some notion of the destination I will arrive at, but not the whole picture–which emerges gradually as a series of revelations, as the journey goes along. – Rose Tremain, novelist and Chancellor of the University of East Anglia

A world map; countries noted by large typographic representations of their names

For now, let’s consider the metaphor that Ms. Tremain offers us here: writing is a journey. Compare the process of receiving a writing assignment to receiving the opportunity to take a trip. Sure, one may sound like a lot more fun initially than the other, but it’s not hard to see some interesting overlaps in the process involved to prepare for either one.

With either a new essay project or a new trip, the first task is to figure out a destination. You will have some limiting factors initially. The length of the finished essay; the length of time you’ll be traveling. The amount of time before the essay is due; the amount of time before the trip begins. The number of resources required to consult; the number of stops you can make along your way.

Your Own Writing Metaphor

Perhaps this writing-as-travel metaphor makes sense to you. Perhaps not. Are there other comparisons to the writing process that hold more personal value for you? Consider what parallels you see as you move through this module.

What You Will Learn to Do

evaluate strategies for personalizing an assigned topic
evaluate strategies for finding a focus for an unassigned topic
evaluate strategies for moving from general to specific
Outcome: Topic Selection. Provided by : Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution
Image of Topic. Authored by : Kim Louie for Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution
Image of world. Authored by : Nuno Alexandre Moura Rodrigues. Located at : https://flic.kr/p/5Pu8rx . License : CC BY-NC: Attribution-NonCommercial

Choosing a Topic: Focus and Title

First Online: 21 November 2023

Cite this chapter

Mary Renck Jalongo 3

Part of the book series: Springer Texts in Education ((SPTE))

262 Accesses

Successful graduate students quickly learn to avoid over-generalizations when participating in class discussions. Socialization to the standards of their respective fields leads them to replace a statement such as “Many people think that…” with a clearer, more supportable statement such as “Although the evidence is mixed, there is some research to suggest that…” The same caveat against overgeneralization holds true when they begin to write. Selection of a topic, identification of a focus, precision in language, and support of ideas with evidence are essential tools for academic authors. This chapter guides scholars in narrowing their topics for writing projects into something matched to the task and purpose. A common complaint of reviewers and editors is that the title of the manuscript is unclear or that the manuscript fails to deliver on what the title promises. Graduate students cannot be expected to “just know” how to write suitable titles or narrow their topics sufficiently. This chapter addresses the limitations in academic preparation of scholarly authors. It guides them in choosing topics matched to their strengths, sharpening the focus, and crafting effective titles for scholarly writing projects.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Available as PDF
Read on any device
Instant download
Own it forever
Available as EPUB and PDF
Compact, lightweight edition
Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Abramo, G., D’Angelo, C. A., & Di Costa, F. (2016). The effect of a country’s name in the title of a publication on its visibility and citability. Scientometrics, 109 , 1895–1909. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-016-2120-1

Article Google Scholar

Afful, J. B. A. (2017). A linguistic analysis of conference paper titles in applied linguistics. International Journal of Foreign Language Teaching and Research, 5 (18), 11–25.

Google Scholar

American Journal of Preventive Medicine Author Instructions . https://www.elsevier.com/__data/promis_misc/AMEPRE_gfa.pdf

Anderson, O., & August, E. (2020). A disconnect between classroom and professional writing: We are not teaching public health students to write effective titles. Journal of Public Health, 42 (2), 412–415. https://doi.org/10.1093/pubmed/fdaa034

Aziz, A. (1974). Article titles as tools of communication. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication, 4 (1), 19–21.

Badley, G. (2009). Publish and be doctor-rated: The Ph.D. by published work. Quality Assurance in Education, 17 (4), 331–342. https://doi.org/10.1108/09684880910992313

Baker, J. R. (2020). Going beyond readability formula: How do titles contribute to the readability of essays? International Journal of TESOL Studies, 2 (1), 11–132. https://doi.org/10.46451/ijts.2020.06.0

Ball, A. (2021, October 4). Ways to narrow down a research topic. Seneca Libraries.

Barnett, A., & Doubleday, Z. (2020). The growth of acronyms in scientific literature. eLife, 9 . https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.60080

Bowman, D., & Kinnan, S. (2018). Creating effective titles for your scientific publications. VidGIE, 3 (9), 260–261. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vgie.2018.07.009

Casanave, C. P. (2014). Before the dissertation: A textual mentor for doctoral students at early stages of a research project . University of Michigan Press.

Curry, M. J. (2016). More than language: Graduate student writing as “disciplinary becoming.” In S. Simpson, N. A. Caplan, M. Cox, & T. Phillips (Eds.), Supporting graduate student writers: Research, curriculum, and program design (pp. 78–96). University of Michigan Press.

Deng, B. (2015 August 26). Papers with shorter titles get more citations. Nature/News . http://www.nature.com/news/papers-with-shorter-titles-get-morecitations-1.18246

Fischer, B. A., & Zigmond, M. J. (2004). Components of a research article. Retrieved from www.survival.pitt.edu

Frontiers in Public Health. (2022). Frontiers in public health author guidelines . Frontiers in Public Health author guidelines

Fulton, J. S. (2018). Publishing evidence-based practice projects. Clinical Nurse Specialist, 32 (2), 57–58. https://doi.org/10.1097/NUR.0000000000000365

Fumani, M. R. F. Q., Goltaji, M., & Parto, P. (2015). The impact of title length and punctuation marks on article citations. Annals of Library and Information Studies, 62 (1), 126–132.

Gerin, W., Kincade, C. K., & Page, N. L. (2017). Writing the NIH grant proposal: 3 . (3rd ed.). Sage.

Gernant, A., Knight, L. A., & Krecko, I. J. (2021). Explaining dementia and memory loss to young children in developmentally appropriate ways. In M. R. Jalongo & P. A. Crawford (Eds.), Intergenerational Bonds: The contributions of older adults to young children’s lives (pp. 71–94). Springer.

Chapter Google Scholar

Grand Valley State University (2022, August 24). Narrowing a topic. https://www.gvsu.edu/library/km/brainstorming-strategy-narrowing-a-topic-20.htm

Guerin, C. (2016). Connecting the dots: Writing a doctoral thesis by publication. In C. Badenhorst & C. Guerin (Eds.), Research literacies and writing pedagogies for masters and doctoral writers (pp. 31–50). Brill.

Harman, E., Montagnes, I., McMenemy, S., & Bucci, C. (Eds.). (2003). The thesis and the book: A guide for first-time academic authors (2nd ed.). University of Toronto Press.

Hartley, J. (2005). To attract or to inform: What are titles for? https://doi.org/10.2190/NV6E-FN3N-7NGN-TWQT

Hartley, J. (2007). Planning that title: Practices and preferences for titles with colons in academic articles. Library & Information Science Research, 29 (4), 553–568.

Hays, J. C. (2010). Eight recommendations for writing titles of scientific manuscripts. Public Health Nursing, 27 (2), 101–103. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-1446.2010.00832.x

Horta, H., & Santos, J. (2016). The impact of publishing during PhD studies on career research publication, visibility and collaborations. Research in Higher Education , 57 , 28–50. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health#author-guidelines

Hudson, J. (2016). An analysis of the titles of papers submitted to the UK REF in 2014: Authors, disciplines, and stylistic details. Scientometrics, 109 , 871–889. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-016-2081-4

International Literacy Association (2022). What’s hot in literacy report . https://www.literacyworldwide.org/get-resources/whats-hot-report

Jalongo, M. R. (2001). Writing for publication: A practical guide for educators . Rowan & Littlefield.

Kamler, B. (2010). Revise and resubmit: The role of publication brokers. In C. Aitchison, B. Kamler, & A. Lee (Eds.), Publishing pedagogies for the doctorate and beyond (pp. 64–82). Routledge.

Keating, D. M., Richards, A. S., Palomares, N. A., Banas, J. A., Joyce, N., & Rains, S. A. (2019). Titling practices and their implications in communication research 1970–2010: Cutesy cues carry citation consequences. Communication Research . https://doi.org/10.1177/0093650219887025

Leeming, J. (2016). Making headlines: Choosing the best title for your paper . http://blogs.nature.com/naturejobs/2016/12/16/making-headlines-choosing-the-best-title-for-your-paper/

Letchford, A., Moat, H. S., & Preis, T. (2015). The advantage of short paper titles. Royal Society Open Science, 2 (8). https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full/10.1098/rsos.150266

Luey, B., & Thatcher, S. G. (2007). Revising your dissertation: Advice from leading editors . University of California Press.

Madsen, D. (1992). Successful dissertations and theses: A guide to graduate student research from proposal to completion (2nd ed.). Jossey-Bass.

Mohaghegh, N., Atlasi, R., Alibeik, M. R., Salehi, M., Hotjatizadeh, Y. & Bagheri, Z. (2018). The relationship between number of keywords used in titles of articles and number of citations to these articles in selected journals published by Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Journal of Studies in Library and Information Science , 9 (2), 17–30. https://doi.org/10.22055/slis.2019.23899.1408

Morton, P. G. (2019, June 1). Tips for selecting a topic for a journal article. Wiley Online Writing Library , 1–8 . https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1750-4910.2019.tb00037.x

Mullaney, T. S., & Rea, S. (2022). Where research begins: Choosing a research project that matters to you (and the world) . Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing.

Nagano, R. (2015). Research article titles and disciplinary conventions: A corpus study of 8 disciplines. Journal of Academic Writing, 5 (1), 133–144.

National Institutes of Health NIH Reporter www.projectreporter.nih.gov

National Science Foundation, Division of Environmental Biology. (2016). DEBrief Blog of the Division of Environmental Biology https://debblog.nsfbio.com/2016/12/13/proejct-titles-granty/

National Science Foundation. Award Search . http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch

O’Keefe, P. (2019). Ph.D. by publication: Innovative approach to social science research, or operationalisation of the doctoral student … or both? Higher Education Research & Development, 39 (2), 288–301. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2019.1666258

Paiva, C. E., Lima, J. P. S. N., & Paiva, B. S. R. (2012). Articles with short titles describing the results are cited more often. Clinics, 67 , 509–513. https://doi.org/10.6061/clinics/2012(05)17

Parkin, S., & Kimergård, A. (2021). A critical analysis of respondent quotes used as titles of qualitative research papers that are published in peer-reviewed journals. Accountability in Research, 29 (2), 109–132. https://doi.org/10.1080/08989621.2021.1901224

Pautasso, M. (2013). Ten simple rules for writing a literature review. PLoS Computing Biology, 9 (7), e1003149. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1003149

Pearson, W. S. (2020). Research articles in written feedback on English as a second language writing. Scientometrics, 123 , 997–1019.

Quote Investigator. (2019, April 29). The two most engaging powers of an author: New things are made familiar, and familiar things are made new. Quote Investigator: Tracing Quotation . https://quoteinvestigator.com/2019/04/29/familiar/

Rahman, J., & Yahan, Y. (2020). Confronting yourself: Reflections on academic publication in doctoral study. The New Educational Review, 59 (1), 148–159. https://doi.org/10.15804/tner.2020.59.1.1

Schulz, K. F., et al., for the CONSORT Group (2010). British Medical Journal, 340 , c332.

Simpson, S., Caplan, N. A., Cox, M., & Phillips, T. (Eds.). (2016). Supporting graduate student writers: Research, curriculum, and program design . University of Michigan Press.

Tarabochia, S., & Madden, S. (2019). In transition: Researching the writing development of doctoral students and faculty. Writing and Pedagogy, 10 (3), 423–452. https://doi.org/10.1558/wap.34576

Thesis Helpers. (2022). Tips for narrowing a research topic. https://www.thesishelpers.com/blog/narrowing-down-research-topic/

University of Michigan Research and Sponsored Projects. (2022). Proposal writers guide—research proposals: Title page . https://orsp.umich.edu/proposal-writers-guide-research-proposals-title-page

Wallis, S., & Wright B. (2020, February 2). Gap analysis for literature reviews and advancing useful knowledge. The Global Guide to Research Impact Gap analysis for literature reviews and advancing useful knowledge—Research to Action

Whissell, C. (2013). Titles in highly ranked multidisciplinary psychology journals 1966–2011: More words and punctuation marks allow for the communication of more information. Psychology Reports, 113 , 969–986.

Yale College Writing Center. (2022). Composing an effective title. https://poorvucenter.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/Titles%20(revised).pdf

Zeller, N., & Farmer, F. M. (1999). "Catchy, clever titles are not acceptable”: Style, APA, and qualitative reporting. International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education, 12 (1), 3–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/095183999236303

Download references

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

Emerita, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA, USA

Mary Renck Jalongo

You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mary Renck Jalongo .

Editor information

Editors and affiliations.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Emerita, Indiana, PA, USA

Teaching & Learning, Policy & Leadership, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, USA

Olivia N. Saracho

Applications of Technology

Tech Tool : University of Southern California Home|USC Libraries

Springer Nature Resource : Titles, Abstracts, and Keywords. Check out the free video tutorials at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pj2Q7y_egS4

Online Video : On the Craft of Writing Effectively with Larry McEnerney from The University of Chicago has been viewed over three million times. He argues against invariant rules and focuses on experts as writers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtIzMaLkCaM

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

About this chapter

Jalongo, M.R. (2023). Choosing a Topic: Focus and Title. In: Renck Jalongo, M., Saracho, O.N. (eds) Scholarly Writing. Springer Texts in Education. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-39516-1_5

Download citation

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-39516-1_5

Published : 21 November 2023

Publisher Name : Springer, Cham

Print ISBN : 978-3-031-39515-4

Online ISBN : 978-3-031-39516-1

eBook Packages : Education Education (R0)

Share this chapter

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Find a journal
Track your research

school Campus Bookshelves
menu_book Bookshelves
perm_media Learning Objects
login Login
how_to_reg Request Instructor Account
hub Instructor Commons
Download Page (PDF)
Download Full Book (PDF)
Periodic Table
Physics Constants
Scientific Calculator
Reference & Cite
Tools expand_more
Readability

selected template will load here

This action is not available.

5.2: Pre-Writing – Choosing a Topic

Last updated
Save as PDF
Page ID 7146

Stephen V. Poulter
Newman University

It seems that the most difficult part of writing an essay for many writers is choosing and narrowing down a topic about which to write. Many of us, too, like to know how the essay will end, how long it will be, how long it will take to write, and so on. It is rather scary to just start writing without knowing where we are going. We have been trained to “have a purpose” in our writing and to plan our writings with outlines and other devices. We like the familiar Pick a topic, Make a thesis, Write an outline, Fill in the blanks. It is counter to our training not to do it this way.

However, personal writing, in order to be effective, must be developed slowly and carefully. The first step, then, is to choose a topic without the preconditions that planning and purpose carry. We will begin writing without knowing what the ending will be. The statements with which you answer these questions are ones you will refer to over and over later in writing your essay.

Most Common Question: “How can I choose a topic without making an outline?”

A topic writing is a way to arrive at something specific to write about. It will take the place of an outline, since this kind of essay writing is designed to perfect the "elements" of an essay first, and arrange them later. Don't worry about how this will be shaped, or how it will be structured, or even how it will end. Think of it as writing first, structuring later. If you have trouble with this method, just remember that it is designed to teach about elements first.

The process is actually very highly structured. The difference between writing to find a topic and writing an outline is that answering questions to find a topic assumes planning a writing has to do with patterns like narrative and description rather than with patterns like sentence and paragraph.

Think about the prompts below. Write an answer to each one, and try to limit your answers to one sentence per question. Put your completed answers in complete sentences. Put your sentences together in a paragraph or two. Do not include the prompts in your writing.

Please note: this is a planning writing, and will not become part of your essay . You will refer to this writing in order to plan each of the elements in Personal Writing.

What is an object or place I will center my essay on?
How is it connected to me in a personal way?
How is it "insignificant" to others who might see it or know about it?
Is it contradictory in some way?
What are its physical characteristics?
What are its qualities?

What point do I want to make with this essay?

What effect do I want this essay to have on my readers?

How to answer the prompts

Some students will rush through this list of questions and answer just to answer. You may do that as well, but sooner or later each question must be given sincere and honest thought in order to help develop the patterns that follow this introduction. Also be aware that each question may change the choice you make initially. That is perfectly normal because we should not make decisions like this lightly.

Take your time. Remember that this is personal writing, so answer each from a personal perspective rather than the perspective of a student fulfilling an assignment.

Prompt 1: Choose an object

What is an object or place I will focus my essay on?

When asked to “choose a topic,” most of us are inclined to choose a subject that interests us, like “life” or “relationships” or “football” or “clowns.” However, it is frequently much more effective to write about the subject indirectly , through an object or place, than to write about the subject directly.

So, rather than choose a “subject” for an essay, we will choose an object or place. We will write about that object or place and a subject will emerge for the reader as we describe, define, and otherwise explore the object or place. You may start with a subject and choose some sort of object associated with the subject, but avoid direct mention of the subject in personal writing.

For example, many writers like to write about something they feel strongly about, like “family.” If this is the case, we might choose some object that connects us to “family” in the way we want our reader to be connected. If we want to explore “family” as a subject we might choose the kitchen table as an object (or kitchen as a place) because that is where many of us gather (or gathered) as a family. Others might choose a porch swing, the front seat of a car, the sofa, or anywhere else that “family” interactions seem to take place.

Most Common Question: “Which is better, an object or place?”

Usually it is easier to write about an object. It is fine to choose a place to focus on, but writers sometimes find a place more difficult to write about. You may choose either, but plan to work slightly harder to write about a place.

_____Is it tangible (can it be touched; not a concept)?

_____Is it observable (can we see it)?

_____Is it non-living (no pets or children)?

_____Is it believable?

_____Is my answer in one, simple statement?

_____Is it a complete sentence?

Check the examples below to see how they conform to the checklist above.

Example \(\PageIndex{1}\):

I wish to focus my essay on a pecan tree in front of an old house at a camp where I used to live.

This essay will revolve around a candle that I got as a gift.

Prompt 2: Make it personal

How is the object/place connected to me in a personal way?

What is your personal connection to this object or place ("I own it" is not very personal)? By “personal,” I mean “emotionally attached” more so than “it belongs to me.” Some people might be personally connected in this way to things that do not belong to them (a tree on campus, a park bench, a public sidewalk) but with which they associate something personal anyway.

When students are having trouble writing about objects, I frequently ask them how this object is personal. I can tell right away that, if they shrug and say, “I don’t know,” they probably have not answered this question properly.

Example \(\PageIndex{2}\):

Many important events happened under that tree, including staff meetings, lazy conversations with camp counselors and kids, meeting my wife, and encounters with various unexpected animals.

The candle was given to me by my best friend for no apparent occasion, but it reminds me of her (she died a few years ago).

Prompt 3: Make it insignificant

How is the object " insignificant " to others who might see it or know about it?

Many of us are at first inclined to choose something that is obviously significant, like a wedding ring, a cross, a trophy, and so on. Choose an object or place that only has significance for you but not for anyone else. In fact, the more insignificant it is, the better.

_____The object is not a symbol

_____No obvious connotations for others

_____No crosses, chapels, rings, photos, or other obviously symbolic things or places

Example \(\PageIndex{3}\):

The tree stood in the front yard of the house; people did not seem to notice it, passing under it constantly without ever seeing it.

There is nothing special about the candle; it has no marks or perfume, and it sits on a dusty shelf in the kitchen.

Prompt 4: Make it contradictory

Is the object contradictory in some way?

Look for something contradictory about the object or place: a sign that says “Up With Trees!” that is made out of wood; a pond named “Devil’s Pool” at a church camp; a watch that does not tell time; an empty drawer; plastic fruit; and so on.

It might or might not be valuable to your essay for your choice of object or place to contain some contradictory element. You really do not know that at this point; you will find out later. However, find something contradictory and you will have the option to ignore or use it later.

Most Common Question: “What if I can’t find anything contradictory about my object or place?”

You have a couple of choices if you find this impossible. Try asking someone else if he or she sees anything contradictory about the object/place, or know of a similar object/place that is contradictory in some way. Or, you could choose a different object.

My favorite option is to simply make up something contradictory. If I want to write about the tree in my example and there is absolutely nothing that seems contradictory or ironic about this tree, I will imagine it as if it does indeed have some contradictory element. We are not dealing with facts; we are dealing with images and the effect they have on the reader. If I have to “bend the truth” a little about the actual object I choose, I doubt if anyone will be able to verify it. In this case, the effect is more important than accuracy.

_____Can the object be ironic, or seen in an ironic way?

_____Is there some contradictory characteristic or element about it?

_____If there is nothing obviously contradictory about it, can I add something to it to make it contradictory?

Example \(\PageIndex{4}\):

There was a "no trespassing" sign on the tree, yet it was a central meeting place at camp.

The candle never seems to burn for more than five minutes before it goes out.

Prompt 5: Describe physical characteristics

What are the object’s physical characteristics?

Describe your object or place in one statement if possible. This description should describe only its physical characteristics (color, size, shape, its environment, parts, textures, etc.). Keep it simple and to the point.

_____Describe at least three physical things about the object (things you can see or touch).

Example \(\PageIndex{5}\):

Under the tree was the most beautiful carpet of grass; the branches were high and widespread with thick foliage, and there was always a dappled shade.

It is white and squat, with a short, off-center wick, and sits in a plain saucer.

Prompt 6: Qualities

What are the object’s qualities ?

These are things that are not seen or noticed, but rather intrinsic to the thing or place, and they should be as specific to that thing as possible. A quality is something good or bad about it, or something intangible .

_____Name at least three things about the object that are good, or bad, or somewhere in between.

Example \(\PageIndex{6}\):

The tree seemed almost friendly because it has overseen the start of many friendships, and trustworthy because it couldn't share any secrets that have been passed beneath it, and full of life, with squirrels, cicadas, blue jays, and sometimes 8-year-old boys.

The candle is reluctant to burn, and when it does, it seems weak and anemic, and so never seems to change after I light it.

Prompt 7: Make a point

What point do I want to make with this essay? Simply state a point you want to make with the whole essay.

Example \(\PageIndex{7}\):

I want the point to may essay to be that life is fleeting, and things change constantly, but some places are important for their personal historical value.

The point is that some friendships are so important that even death cannot change them.

Prompt 8: Effect on the Reader

What effect do I want this essay to have on my readers? State what you wish to happen to a reader who reads your essay.

Example \(\PageIndex{8}\):

I want a reader to come away with a sense of place and the importance of memories.

I hope whoever reads this will feel the same sense of loss that I feel.

By answering the prompts above slowly, carefully, and thoughtfully, you may arrive at a place to start an effective essay (one that has an effect on the reader). The rest of this process is similar in the sense that you will not really know how well you have done until you do it. This section, the topic writing, will serve as a reference for each element that follows.

Use the object or place from this topic writing as the object or place in ALL the elements that follow. Do not use this topic writing as part of your essay. This writing is simply a way to find a suitable topic.

COMMENTS

150 Creative Definition Essay Topics For College Students
Unique Definition Essay Topics. The quirkiness of 'fam': exploring unconventional family structures. The essence of 'chill': beyond a relaxing vibe. Defining 'awkward': navigating social discomfort. The true meaning of 'indie': beyond music and film. The 'vibe' culture: capturing the unspoken atmosphere.
Uncovering Endless Inspiration for Your Essay
How to Write a Definition Essay: 6 Simple Tips. When selecting topics for definition essay, keep these expert tips in mind for successful writing: Choose Wisely: Opt for more informative essay topics that go beyond simple nouns or verbs like 'swimming' or 'necklace.'. Focus on processes or concepts that offer depth.
200 Interesting Definition Essay Topics & Ideas
A definition essay is a type of essay that seeks to define and explain a concept, term, or idea. The goal of this type of essay is: to explain the meaning of a concept, term, or idea. to examine how a concept, term, or idea is defined by different people and groups. to analyze the implications of a particular definition.
How to Write a Definition Essay [50 Definition Essay Topic Ideas]
Summarize the key points discussed in the body paragraphs. Afterward, provide readers with a concise recap of the various aspects of your definition. The good idea is to sta te your thesis statement for the definition essay in the conclusion. Accordingly, emphasize it with the evidence and examples in the essay's body.
250+ Definition Essay Topics Ideas for Students
History Definition Essay Topics List. Revolution: Catalysts and Consequences. Empire: Rise, Dominion, and Decline. Renaissance: A Rebirth of Culture and Knowledge. Nationalism: Its Impact on World History. Colonialism: Legacy and Liberation. Industrial Revolution: Transforming Societies and Economies.
Definition Essay Topics: Step By Step Guide
A definition essay is a common writing assignment in schools and universities. Put simply, It asks a student to choose a word and define it in-depth. The common dictionary definition is the first thing to state (in your own words), then the lesser-known meanings of the concept, followed by personal anecdotes and opinions further explaining the ...
Definition Essay Examples and Topic Ideas
Learn the structure of a definition essay and read two examples of essays about concrete and abstract concepts. Dictionary ... Review the example essays below and try exploring some of the suggested essay topics, too. Definition Essay Structure. You can follow the general structure for an expository essay when writing a definition essay. ...
How to Write a Definition Essay. Fresh Topics&Examples
Here's what you need to include: Start with something attention-grabbing, like a thought-provoking question or an interesting fact. Provide a brief overview of the topic and why it's important to define it. Clearly state the term you're defining and your interpretation of it. Definition Essay Body Paragraphs.
Definition Essay
An explanatory definition essay is a type of expository essay. It aims to explain a complex term or concept in a way that is easy to understand for the reader. The writer breaks down the term or concept into simpler parts and provides examples and analogies to help readers understand it better.
120 Definition Essay Topics for A+ Paper
In case when choosing definition argument essay topics, you need to be very careful. The main point of such types of academic works is to explain the meaning of a certain word or a concept. Therefore, your topic should have a huge field of meaning. You should be able to provide different interpretations in your work and make a smooth transition ...
115 Outstanding Definition Essay Topics for Students
Definition Essay Topic Selection Tips. If you know what the definition of essay writing means, it becomes easy to look for the characters in an essay topic that would help to set your writing apart from the rest. If you are still confused about what features to look for in a definition essay topic, then follow these simple tips:
200 Best Definition Essay Topics
Top 200 Definition Essay Topics For All. April 20, 2021. Essay writing can be hard if you don't have the right essay topics. Most students need to make sure they choose a topic that they can adequately research, organize, and write about. A definition essay is a type of writing assignment that asks students to define a term, concept, or idea.
6.3: Introduction to Topic Selection
This page titled 6.3: Introduction to Topic Selection is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Lumen Learning via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform; a detailed edit history is available upon request.
PDF Strategies for Essay Writing
Your thesis is the central claim in your essay—your main insight or idea about your source or topic. Your thesis should appear early in an academic essay, followed by a logically constructed argument that supports this central claim. A strong thesis is arguable, which means a thoughtful reader could disagree with it and therefore needs
Choosing a Topic
Methods for choosing a topic. Thinking early leads to starting early. If the student begins thinking about possible topics when the assignment is given, she has already begun the arduous, yet rewarding, task of planning and organization. Once she has made the assignment a priority in her mind, she may begin to have ideas throughout the day.
Research Guides: A Guide to Library Research: Topic Selection
Topic Selection. Choosing a topic can be difficult. It's best to choose a topic that interests you and is within the scope of your assignment's guidelines. Once you have an idea in mind, you need to do some preliminary research or pre-research to find background information. Google and Wikipedia are great tools for fact finding.
Selecting a Topic
Understanding the assigned essay is the first step to coming up with a topic. Knowing the type of essay that is expected, the length of the essay, and to what degree research is expected will all determine the scope of the topic you will choose. Evaluate the Purpose of the Assignment. The purpose of the assignment will also determine the type ...
Introduction to Topic Selection
Evaluate topic selection activities. I have likened writing . . . to going on a journey, with some notion of the destination I will arrive at, but not the whole picture-which emerges gradually as a series of revelations, as the journey goes along. - Rose Tremain, novelist and Chancellor of the University of East Anglia.
Choosing a Topic: Focus and Title
Topic selection is the authors' responsibility. Nevertheless, when faced with identifying a topic and focus, academic authors have numerous concerns, including: Being without an idea for a topic or, conversely, having many ideas and difficulty in deciding which one to pursue. Questioning their qualifications and expertise
5.2: Pre-Writing
5.2: Pre-Writing - Choosing a Topic. It seems that the most difficult part of writing an essay for many writers is choosing and narrowing down a topic about which to write. Many of us, too, like to know how the essay will end, how long it will be, how long it will take to write, and so on.
(PDF) Strategies for Selecting a Research Topic
Abstract. Selection of a research topic is a challenge for students and professionals alike. This paper addresses those challenges by presenting some strategies based on existing body of knowledge ...
Definition Essay Topics: The Best Selections : r/Student
How to Write a Definition Essay: 6 Simple Tips. When selecting topics for definition essay, keep these expert tips in mind for successful writing: Choose Wisely: Opt for more informative essay topics that go beyond simple nouns or verbs like 'swimming' or 'necklace.'. Focus on processes or concepts that offer depth.

150 Best Definition Essay Topics For Students

A Closer Look at Definition Essay

Definition Essay Topics Ideas

Definition Essay Topics for High School Students

Definition Essay Topics for College Students

Definition Essay Topic on Mass Media

Funny Definition Essay Topics

Creative Definition Essay Topics

Easy Definition Essay Topics

Good Definition Essay Topics

Unique Definition Essay Topics

One Word Definition Essay Topics:

Classification and Definition Essay Topics

Simple Definition Essay Topics:

Extended Definition Essay Topics

Random Definition Essay Topics

Definition Argumentative Essay Topics

Controversial Definition Essay Topics

How to Choose a Definition Essay Topic?

Tips on How to Write a Definition Essay

Definition Essay Structure

Keep reading

Breaking Down Concepts: A How-To Guide for Writing Definition Essays

What Is a Definition Essay?

Choosing the Right Topic

What Is the Purpose of a Definition Essay and Creating an Outline?

Structuring the Definition Essay

Introduction:

Body Paragraphs :

Conclusion:

Writing Tips and Techniques for Crafting an Excellent Definition Essay

Use Multiple Sources for Definitions

Classify the Term

Separate a Word Into Various Parts

Begin your essay With a Standard Definition

Incorporate Your Thesis Early

Consider Different Viewpoints or Interpretations

Use Real-Life Examples and Anecdotes:

Analyze the Term’s Origin and History

Discuss the Term in Different Contexts

Compare and Contrast

Address Common Misconceptions

Introspection and the Effect of the Defining Term

List of Definition Essay Topics

Striking the Balance in Academic Writing

Readers also enjoyed

WHY WAIT? PLACE AN ORDER RIGHT NOW!

Definition Essay Topics

What is a Definition Essay?

How to Choose a Definition Essay Topic

What is the Origin of the Word?

What is the Context of the Word?

What are the Previous Versions of the Word?

What is the Common Modern Usage of the Word?

Struggling with your Definition Essay Homework?

Definition Essay Topics List by Category

Good Definition Argument Essay Topics

Definition Essay Topics for College

Funny Definition Essay Topics

Controversial Definition Essay Topics

Did you like our inspiring Definition Essay Guide?

Abstract Definition Essay Topics

Easy Definition Essay Topics

Definition Essay Topics on Love, Poetry, and Music

Definition Essay Topics on History, Politics, and Governance

Definition Essay Topics on Economics, Business, IT, and Commerce

Things to Keep in Mind

Featured Posts

180 Persuasive Essay Topics

150 Narrative Essay Topics

How to Write a Definition Essay: New Guide with Samples

What is a Definition Essay

Definition Essay Examples

Stuck on Words?

Commonly Used Definition Essay Types

How to Write a Definition Essay

Tips for Definition Essay Writing Process

Final Words

Want to Get Your Task Done ASAP?

Related Articles