Drafting Your Definition Essay: (part three of the prewrite)

Before you write your essay, know what you will discuss, and when.

1. First, clearly articulate what you want to show us about yourself -- you beliefs, perspective, values, priorities
2. How will you begin?

• A narrative / anecdote that raises an experience relevant to this issue
• Begin with a definition
• Raise the general context or significance of your idea -- why does it matter to you (or the audience) and why do we need to understand it?
• Just start with description and no explanation -- "in media res" 

3. What aspects of the issue will you address as you progress?

4. How will you end?