essay prompts definition

What Is a Prompt in Writing? (Ultimate Guide + 200 Examples)

Ever stumbled upon a blank page and didn’t know where to start?

That’s where a writing prompt steps in, kicking your creativity into gear and guiding your pen (or cursor) in the right direction.

What is a prompt in writing?

A prompt in writing is a starting point designed to ignite creativity, guiding writers to explore themes, genres, or emotions. It can be a word, question, image, or scenario, aiding in overcoming writer’s block.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about prompts in writing.

What Is a Prompt in Writing (Long Description)?

Table of Contents

A writing prompt is essentially a starting point.

Think of it as a spark designed to ignite your creativity and guide your thoughts in a specific direction.

This little nudge can come in various forms – a word, a sentence, a question, or even a picture – and serves the purpose of inspiring you to write.

Whether you’re drafting a story, an essay, or just jotting down your thoughts, prompts help overcome the intimidation of a blank page.

It sets a predefined theme or direction for your writing.

They’re not just about what you write, but how you think and approach writing, encouraging you to explore new ideas, genres, and perspectives.

Here is a good video that explains prompts in writing:

Types of Prompts in Writing

Now let’s go over different types of prompts in writing.

Common prompt types include:

The Story Starter

The question quest, picture this, the first line frenzy.

The Story Starter is your classic nudge towards narrative creativity.

It’s a sentence or scenario meant to kick off your storytelling journey, helping you dive straight into the plot, characters, or setting.

This type of prompt is great for fiction writers looking for a jumping-off point to explore various themes or genres.

It can be as detailed or as open-ended as you like, providing just enough information to spark an idea without dictating the direction of your story.

• “When the clock struck midnight, she realized…”
• “Lost in the forest, he stumbled upon a hidden village…”
• “The last person on Earth sat alone in a room. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door…”
• “In a world where magic is real, a young apprentice discovers…”
• “The photograph in the old book revealed a secret that would change everything…”
• “Stranded on a desert island, they found a message in a bottle…”
• “On her hundredth birthday, she received a letter that took her back to her youth…”
• “The map led them to a place that wasn’t supposed to exist…”
• “In the midst of war, a forbidden love blossomed…”
• “He inherited an old mansion, not knowing the ancestors would still be around…”

The Question Quest prompt type uses intriguing questions to push your thinking boundaries and explore ideas in depth.

It’s perfect for essays, reflective writing, or exploring complex themes and issues.

These prompts challenge you to consider different perspectives, analyze situations, and develop reasoned arguments or narratives based on the question posed.

• “What would you do if you could travel back in time?”
• “How would society change if humans lived to be 300 years old?”
• “Is it possible to live a completely ethical life in today’s world?”
• “What does true bravery look like?”
• “How would the discovery of extraterrestrial life impact humanity?”
• “What is the true cost of progress?”
• “Can happiness be measured?”
• “What role does fate play in our lives?”
• “Is technology bringing us closer together or driving us apart?”
• “What would you change if you were the leader of your country for a day?”

Picture This prompts use images as the springboard for writing.

A photograph, painting, or even a random doodle can unlock a flood of creativity.

Which makes it an excellent tool for both fiction and non-fiction writers.

This visual cue encourages you to dive into descriptive writing, storytelling, or even analytical essays, exploring the emotions, stories, or ideas evoked by the image.

• A deserted street at dawn, with an old bicycle leaning against a lamppost.
• A vintage suitcase, open and filled with letters and photographs.
• A bustling market scene in a foreign country.
• A child gazing out of a rain-spattered window.
• A majestic mountain range under the stars.
• An abandoned house, its rooms still furnished but covered in dust.
• A close-up of a spider web with dewdrops.
• A lively street festival, with people dancing and musicians playing.
• An old, faded map with several places marked in red.
• A serene lake at sunset, with a lone boat tied to a wooden dock.

The First Line Frenzy is a thrilling way to dive into a story.

These prompts provide the opening sentence of your narrative, setting the tone and direction for everything that follows.

It’s a fantastic method for overcoming writer’s block and sparking your imagination, as the initial line can lead to unexpected and exciting story developments.

• “The day began with a mysterious package on my doorstep.”
• “I never believed in ghosts until I moved into the old Henderson house.”
• “The moment I heard the news, I knew my life would never be the same.”
• “Under the light of a full moon, the city revealed its true secrets.”
• “It was the kind of café you’d stumble upon once and never find again.”
• “With a deep breath, I stepped into the unknown.”
• “The letter, sealed with a wax emblem, contained a proposition I couldn’t refuse.”
• “As the train pulled away, she realized her mistake.”
• “In the heart of the ancient forest, a hidden path led to unexpected wonders.”
• “The discovery promised to rewrite history, but at what cost?”

Dialogue Driven

Dialogue Driven prompts center around a snippet of conversation, offering a dynamic entry point into your writing.

This approach is particularly effective for character development and exploring relationships through direct speech.

It can set the scene, reveal personalities, and drive the plot forward, all through the power of dialogue.

• “Did you really think I wouldn’t find out?” “I was hoping.”
• “Why is this door always locked?” “You’re not ready to know what’s behind it.”
• “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.” “That’s where you’re wrong.”
• “The stars look different here.” “Everything does.”
• “I wish I could stay.” “Then why are you leaving?”
• “It’s not about what I want anymore.” “Then what’s it about?”
• “I’ve never seen anything like it.” “And you never will again.”
• “Can you keep a secret?” “Depends on the secret.”
• “We’re not in Kansas anymore.” “We’re not even on the same planet.”
• “It was supposed to be a simple plan.” “Since when does anything go according to plan?”

The Sensory Dive

The Sensory Dive prompts are designed to immerse you and your reader in vivid, sensory-rich experiences.

These prompts encourage descriptive writing that appeals to the senses, painting a scene so tangible that readers feel they can touch, taste, hear, see, and smell it.

It’s a powerful tool for creating immersive worlds and experiences.

• Describe the cacophony of a bustling city market at noon.
• The taste of the first snowflake of winter.
• The scent of old books in a forgotten library.
• The feeling of sand between your toes as waves crash on the shore.
• The sight of a landscape transformed by autumn’s touch.
• The sound of a distant thunderstorm approaching.
• The warmth of a crackling fire on a cold night.
• The chill of walking through a foggy graveyard at dusk.
• The texture of an ancient, carved stone.
• The silence of a snow-covered forest.

The What-If Wonder

The What-If Wonder prompts take you on a journey of imagination, exploring alternate realities and scenarios.

These prompts ask you to consider how different choices, events, or conditions might alter the world, characters, or story.

It’s an excellent way to delve into speculative fiction, science fiction, and fantasy, pushing the boundaries of reality.

• What if humans had the ability to communicate telepathically?
• What if gravity suddenly became a variable force on Earth?
• What if you woke up 100 years in the past with your current memories intact?
• What if plants were the dominant intelligent species on the planet?
• What if you could see the future but only 24 hours ahead?
• What if water was as rare as gold?
• What if everyone had their lifespan displayed above their heads?
• What if you found a door that could take you to parallel universes?
• What if animals could petition for their rights?
• What if dreams were actually glimpses into alternate realities?

The Emotional Rollercoaster

The Emotional Rollercoaster prompt is all about exploring the depths of human emotion, challenging you to convey complex feelings and reactions.

These prompts are perfect for delving into character development, interpersonal relationships, and personal reflection.

By focusing on the emotional landscape, writers can create compelling narratives that resonate with readers on a deeply personal level.

• The moment you realized you were in love.
• Feeling utterly lost in a place you once called home.
• The bitter sweetness of a farewell.
• Overcoming a fear that once held you back.
• The complex emotions of reuniting with someone after many years.
• The guilt of a lie that spiraled out of control.
• The rush of achieving something you thought was impossible.
• The profound sadness of losing a cherished memory to time.
• The unexpected joy found in a simple act of kindness.
• The peace of accepting things you cannot change.

The Genre Blender

The Genre Blender prompts encourage you to mix elements from different genres, creating unique and innovative narratives.

These prompts are excellent for writers looking to break the mold and experiment with their storytelling.

Whether it’s combining science fiction with historical fiction or fantasy with mystery, the possibilities are endless.

• A detective in a dystopian future solving a crime that could change the course of history.
• A romance blossoming in the midst of a zombie apocalypse.
• A fantasy world where magic is dying, and technology is on the rise.
• A historical drama set in ancient Rome, but with a twist of time travel.
• A horror story set in space, aboard a ship with a mysterious alien artifact.
• A western where the frontier towns are protected by wizards instead of gunslingers.
• A cyberpunk thriller featuring a heist in a virtual reality world.
• A mystery set in a magical school where the students must uncover a dark secret.
• A superhero story grounded in the real-world challenges of modern society.
• An adventure tale that blends deep-sea exploration with ancient mythology.

The Time Traveler’s Gateway

The Time Traveler’s Gateway prompts explore the intricacies of time travel, its implications, and its paradoxes.

This type of prompt is perfect for science fiction and speculative fiction writers, offering a playground for the imagination that challenges our understanding of time, history, and causality.

• Discovering a time machine in your backyard and deciding where to go first.
• A message from the future warning of an impending disaster.
• The consequences of changing a small event in the past.
• A society where time travel is common, but strictly regulated.
• An ancient civilization that had advanced time travel technology.
• Meeting your ancestors and learning their secrets.
• The ethical dilemmas of using time travel for personal gain.
• A love story that transcends time barriers.
• The discovery that history is a construct, shaped by time travelers.
• A time loop where the protagonist must solve a puzzle to escape.

The World Builder’s Dream

The World Builder’s Dream prompts invite you to create entire worlds from scratch.

This type of prompt is a boon for fantasy and science fiction writers, offering the freedom to craft unique settings, cultures, laws of nature, and societies.

It’s an opportunity to let your imagination run wild and establish the groundwork for epic tales.

• A planet where the seasons last for decades.
• A city built entirely on the back of a giant, wandering creature.
• A society where people’s roles are determined by their innate magical abilities.
• An underwater civilization that has never seen the surface.
• A world where dreams can be entered and manipulated.
• A floating island nation that travels the skies.
• A dystopian future where memories can be bought and sold.
• A kingdom where music is the source of all magic.
• A realm where the night lasts half the year.
• An alternate Earth where the continents never split apart.

The Unseen Perspective

The Unseen Perspective prompts challenge you to write from the viewpoint of non-human characters or entities.

This approach forces you to step outside the human experience and consider the world from a completely different angle.

It’s a fantastic way to explore themes of consciousness, nature, and the interconnectedness of life.

• The life of a tree over centuries, witnessing the changes in the world.
• A day in the life of a household pet during a major family event.
• The thoughts of a spaceship AI as it travels through the cosmos.
• The experiences of a ghost haunting an old mansion.
• A story told from the perspective of a river, from source to sea.
• The journey of a single leaf from sprout to falling to the ground.
• The collective consciousness of a hive of bees facing environmental challenges.
• The ancient spirit of a mountain overseeing its surroundings.
• The adventures of a book as it passes from reader to reader, experiencing different interpretations and emotions.
• The perspective of a city as it grows and evolves over centuries, through peace and conflict.

The Emotional Journey

The Emotional Journey prompts focus on the internal growth and transformation of characters.

It invites writers to delve into personal development, self-discovery, and the overcoming of obstacles.

This type of prompt is ideal for character-driven narratives, where the emphasis is on emotional depth and the evolution of the protagonist’s inner self.

• A character grappling with the loss of a loved one and finding a way to move forward.
• The journey of self-acceptance for someone who feels out of place in their world.
• A hero facing their darkest fears in order to save what they cherish most.
• A villain’s realization of the impact of their actions and their quest for redemption.
• A young adult’s transition into independence and the challenges they face along the way.
• The transformation of a skeptic into a believer through a series of unexplainable events.
• The struggle of a character to forgive themselves and others for past mistakes.
• The process of rebuilding one’s life after a catastrophic event.
• A character’s journey from indifference to passionate advocacy for a cause.
• The evolving relationship between two characters who start as rivals and become allies.

The Moral Dilemma

The Moral Dilemma prompts put characters in situations where they must make difficult choices, often between two equally undesirable options.

These prompts are great for exploring ethical questions, character morality, and the complexity of human nature.

They challenge writers to think deeply about what it means to make a “right” decision.

• Choosing between saving a loved one or a group of strangers from danger.
• Deciding whether to expose a painful truth that could destroy a friend’s happiness.
• The choice of upholding the law or doing what is morally right in a corrupt society.
• A character must decide whether to seek revenge or forgive an unforgivable act.
• The dilemma of sacrificing personal dreams for the greater good.
• Deciding whether to keep a secret that protects one person but harms others.
• A leader’s choice between peace at the cost of justice or war for the sake of freedom.
• The ethical implications of using advanced technology to alter human nature.
• A scientist faces a moral conflict over a discovery that could change the world but has dangerous implications.
• The struggle of a character who finds out that their entire life is based on a lie and must choose how to react.

The Creative Challenge

The Creative Challenge prompts are designed to push the boundaries of conventional storytelling.

It encourages experimentation with narrative structure, style, and content.

These prompts invite writers to play with unconventional formats, such as a story told in reverse, a narrative composed entirely of dialogue, or a tale that weaves multiple perspectives into a cohesive whole.

• A story told through a series of diary entries, each revealing a piece of the puzzle.
• A narrative structured as a series of text messages between characters.
• A tale that begins with its conclusion and works backward to the start.
• A story where each chapter is from the perspective of a different character, all revolving around a single event.
• A narrative composed entirely of letters sent between two characters.
• A story told through the lens of an inanimate object witnessing events unfold.
• A tale that intertwines the past and present, revealing how they mirror and affect each other.
• A narrative that challenges the concept of linear time, mixing moments from various points in the characters’ lives.
• A story where the setting changes in each chapter, influencing the plot and characters in unique ways.
• A narrative that plays with genre conventions, blending elements from different genres in unexpected ways.

Final Thoughts: What Is a Prompt in Writing?

I hope this guide “prompts” you to understanding, creativity, and motivation to write.

Check out some of our other great guides below.

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What Is a Writing Prompt and What Types There Are?

June 2, 2022

What Is An Essay Prompt?

Understanding writing prompts, types of writing prompts, how to write a prompt, how to respond to essay writing prompts for beginners, key takeaways.

Do you love writing but sometimes feel stuck or uninspired? Are you looking for a way to jumpstart your creative process ? If so, writing prompts may be just what you need. But what is a writing prompt and what is its role in writing?

In this article, we will discuss the definition of a writing prompt, explore different types of prompts, and learn how to write one yourself.

What Is a Writing Prompt?

A writing prompt is a sentence, paragraph, or (rarer) an image that provides inspiration and guidance for creative writing . It may be used as a possible topic or starting point for an original essay, report, journal entry, story, poem, etc. A writing prompt’s main aim is to test a writer’s analytical capabilities, writing skills, and ability to express their point of view.

Writing prompts for students have long been used in the classroom to encourage student attention and develop their capacity to focus on a certain subject, idea, or concept. They also give students the chance to express their own opinions on a certain topic. Prompts stimulate students’ critical thinking and offer them an opportunity to construct a well-reasoned, structured argument in response to another writer’s viewpoint.

An essay prompt is a subtype of the writing prompt. Essay prompts are generally made up of 1 to 3 sentences that provide some context about the subject, followed by a question that asks students to write about a certain topic in the form of an essay .

The goal is to get students to respond with an essay focusing on a statement or issue in order to assess their writing, reasoning, and analytical abilities.

Analyzing your writing prompt is easier if you highlight the important words while reading it . Here are some of the words you should watch out for:

• Argue – requires you to present facts that support your opinion
• Compare – determine the similarities and differences between two or more concepts
• Define – provide a definition of a specific concept or subject
• Discuss – explain various aspects of a subject or problem and reach a conclusion
• Describe – give a detailed description of an event or a particular person, place, or thing

Prompts can help improve your writing skills by providing practice in brainstorming, planning, drafting, revising, and editing . Daily writing prompts can also help you practice and develop your understanding of grammar when learning a new language .

Following are the most common types of writing prompts that students come across as a part of their degrees or continuing education programs:

Descriptive

Descriptive prompts frequently include cue terms such as “describe in detail,” “describe how something looked/felt/smelled/tasted,” and so on. In this type of writing, the reader should be able to experience what you’re writing about. Descriptive writing exercises frequently request writers to provide details that will help the reader construct a vivid picture by including sensory elements , such as sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste.

Expository/Informative

Expository writing prompts are a good writing practice for teens and college students. Expository prompts typically ask the writer to describe, compare and contrast, discuss pros and cons, or define something .

Expository writing has a particular purpose and audience in mind; as a result, the style and voice must correspond to the set subject and audience. The following words are used as cues to elicit expository answers: why, how, what, and explain.

The act of writing a narrative is the process of recording and telling events from one’s personal or fictional experience . Identifying what a narrative writing prompt look like is easy when you know what to look for. These prompts call for insight, creativity, drama, suspense, humor, and/or fantasy, and often contain the term “tell about…,” “write a story,” or “describe”.

Writers should use real or invented experiences when responding to narrative prompts. They should also incorporate dialogue, sensory elements, and sensible sequences into their response.

In this sort of prompt, the writers are expected to express their viewpoint on a certain subject, followed by logical reasoning and facts . This can either be a controversial issue or something light-hearted and fun. No matter what the topic is, if you’re wondering how to start a writing prompt like this, just make sure you’re clear and concise so that the reader knows exactly what is being discussed.

Persuasive prompts are writing prompts that require the writer to convince or persuade the reader to agree with a certain point of view . These types of prompts typically use cue words such as “convince,” “persuade,” and “why” rather than “how.”

To write a persuasive prompt, it is important to first brainstorm ideas and then narrow down your focus to come up with a creative and unique prompt. Remember to consider your audience when writing persuasive prompts.

The research approach to daily writing prompts encourages writers to look for information on a given topic using books, internet resources, films, etc . Such a writing assignment asks students to look up all the details and provide the resources as well, sometimes in the form of a bibliography .

When you start writing, no matter the type and form of the written piece, it’s important to consider your audience and purpose. When you’re responding to a written prompt that lists children as your target audience, for example, you’ll need to use age-appropriate language and focus on the topics that are interesting for the particular age group . Apart from the audience, you need to pay attention to the following factors, as well:

Prompt Construction

Breaking down the writing prompt into three parts is another useful approach for better conveying the task’s meaning:

• the first part introduces the subject
• the second part encourages writers to think about it, perhaps with a brainstorming pre-writing exercise
• the third portion explains what needs to be written

In order to avoid confusion, writing prompts should be brief and focused . The instructor must make sure that the students are provided with sufficient information in order for them to understand the writing assignment completely.

The components of the prompt can be repeated, but using parallel wording will help writers stay focused on the specific writing task.

Bias and Sensitivity

The topics of your creative writing prompts should be inclusive and fair to all potential writers . The prompts should be written in a way that allows writers to easily comprehend them, regardless of their cultural background or other variables. It’s important to avoid cultural, ethnic, gender, or any other form of bias when developing prompts.

After you’ve examined your prompt, it’s time to get creative and prepare for your essay writing:

• First, make a thesis statement to address the main issue . Your thesis statement should be the focal point of your whole essay and should reflect your stance on the issue.
• When responding to writing prompts for beginners, write simple topic sentences that cover all the criteria. Add any facts, elaborations, or evidence you need to back up your viewpoint.
• After you’ve finished, you may add more facts and smooth transitions between each phrase and paragraph . Make sure to include an eye-catching opening line in your first paragraph, as well as a conclusion that summarizes your ideas and thesis statement.

All in all, understanding what is a prompt in writing and how to respond to one is a key skill for all writers. By taking the time to analyze the prompt and brainstorm ideas, you’ll make sure that your written piece is clear, concise, and on-topic. Practicing with different types of prompts will help you hone your skills and become a more confident writer.

The three parts of a writing prompt are the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. The introduction sets the tone for the rest of the piece, the body provides support for the thesis, and the conclusion ties everything together and leaves readers with a final thought or impression.

Most writing prompts consist of the following six parts: articulation of purpose, a summary of the assignment, logistics, paper’s key components, framing questions, and evaluation criteria.

What is a writing prompt supposed to be like in order to both challenge a writer and let them showcase their writing skills? It must be clear and concise, and possible to answer in a short amount of time. It should also be open-ended enough to allow for creative interpretation, not requiring prior knowledge in order to be answered.

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I am curiosity-driven and detail-oriented so you will often find me researching the latest trends, experimenting with search engine optimization, or testing software. As a keen observer of content, my teammates often like to joke that "noting escapes the eye of Beti."

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Putting the Pieces Together: What Are Writing Prompts?

What are writing prompts.

Why Are Prompts Used in WRIT?

Learning to write well takes time and practice. Becoming a better writer, whether for academic or professional purposes, can only begin if you actively engage with other writers, and, most importantly, other viewpoints. Responding to another writer involves not only understanding  the argument or position that they make, but also determining whether you agree, disagree, or partially agree with their position. Your goal as a developing writer, then, is to articulate your view clearly and concisely on an issue, to support it with solid reasons, and to respond to potential arguments other readers may raise about your own argument.

How Are Prompts Used in WRIT?

In WRIT, weekly prompts are used to allow students to demonstrate their understanding of the writing process.  Through guided writing practice, your instructor will use timely and topical writing scenarios so that you can apply the various aspects of writing competency in an incremental way each week.  Sure, writing weekly can seem daunting for some or repetitive for others. Yet, it is important to remember that learning any new skill involves a level of repetition.

Learning to write is an iterative process, which means you will get better the more often you write. You know what they say: practice makes perfect – and this is especially true when learning to write. Using prompts regularly as part of our writing curriculum can boost the chances that you will not only improve as a writer but also feel connected to the writing process itself.

Understanding Writing Prompts

A strong prompt response contains several components, components which must all work together to produce a finished product with which other readers can engage. As an emerging writer, we hope you will develop a number of skills to ensure you are understood. These skills include the ability to:

• create a clear thesis (or main argument)
• develop a logical organizational structure
• use effective and formal language
• vary your sentence structures
• write cleanly without grammatical error to express yourself clearly and concisely

While learning to write effectively depends on your ability to master many of these skills,  one skill can be taught quickly: how to understand a writing prompt.  In fact, this should be the first skill you focus on as a developing writer.  Why? Because if you are unable to understand a piece of writing, then responding to it will be very difficult. Put another way: to make an argument about something, you’ll need to make sure you fully understand the arguments made by another writer– in our case the writer of the prompt . This skill requires more that simple reading comprehension.  More often than not,  strong students receive a weak writing grade because they misunderstood the prompt. In order to respond successfully , you must learn to analyze the prompt before responding to it.

Questions to Ask

The first phase of composing a strong piece of writing occurs in the pre-writing phase, and in WRIT you’ll practice and learn how to  plan your writing responses. Unlike a formal research essay assignment–where you’ll often have weeks to research, plan, and compose a polished final essay–in WRIT,  your responses will be shorter and designed to be completed within a set period of time. The ability to respond in writing quickly is a core skill you’ll practice in WRIT; that skill is called time-on task writing. While, the pre-writing phase will be shorter, you should still learn to ask a few key questions about the prompt to help narrow down your overall writing goal.

When reading a writing prompt, the following are helpful questions to ask and answer:

• What is the topic of the prompt?
• What is the main argument (thesis) the author makes?
• What is the purpose of the prompt? Why does the author want to convince you of her argumentative position?
• What kind of details or supporting points does the author provide?
• Do I agree or disagree with the author’s points? Why or why not?
• Can I provide reasons to oppose the author’s argument?
• Do I understand WHY I support or oppose the author’s argument?

By asking and answering these questions, you can jump-start your essay outline and formulate your own thesis. A good way to begin is to write a one-sentence response to each question. Whether you practice this skill in class or not, there are a number of ways that you can do so everyday. You can:

• Read an opinion editorial on a news site
• Watch a film documentary
• Watch a television interview
• Listen to a documentary podcast
• Track a social media hashtag

Most of the media with which we engage on a daily basis comes with thesis statements, points of view, arguments both well supported and not-so-well supported: the more you bring critical thought–by applying the core questions from above–to these spaces, the more you’ll develop into a critical thinker who is ready to become a critical writer.

Putting the Pieces Together Copyright © 2020 by Andrew Stracuzzi and André Cormier is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Writing Prompt (Composition)

Glossary of Grammatical and Rhetorical Terms

• An Introduction to Punctuation
• Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
• M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
• B.A., English, State University of New York

A writing prompt is a brief passage of text (or sometimes an image) that provides a potential topic idea or starting point for an original essay , report , journal entry , story, poem, or other forms of writing. Writing prompts are commonly used in the essay portions of standardized tests, but they may also be devised by the writers themselves.

A writing prompt, according to Garth Sundem and Kristi Pikiewicz, usually has "two basic components: the prompt itself and directions explaining what the students should do with it." ( Writing in the Content Areas , 2006)

Examples and Observations

"Today is Kiss and Make Up Day, a day to fix relationships that need mending. " Prompt . Have you ever been in an argument with a friend or a member of your family? What was the disagreement over? How did you resolve it?" (Jacqueline Sweeney, Prompt a Day!: 360 Thought-Provoking Writing Prompts Keyed to Every Day of the School Year . Scholastic, 1998)

Elicting Insightful Responses

"Responses to writing prompts are typically more insightful than if a teacher allows students to simply write for a certain amount of time without specifying a topic." (Jacalyn Lund and Deborah Tannehill,  Standards-Based Physical Education Curriculum Development , 2nd ed. Jones and Bartlett, 2010)

Touching on Experiences

"Two characteristics of engaging . . . writing prompts are that they touch on experiences accessible to the students, and they allow for multiple ways to write an answer." (Stephen P. Balfour, "Teaching Writing and Assessment Skills." Improving Writing and Thinking Through Assessment , ed. by Teresa L. Flateby. IAP. 2011)

Writing Prompt for 'An Initiation'

"For the first assignment in the course, I'd like you to write a personal narrative that tells us something about who you are or what your interests are. The audience for this paper is the instructor and the class and the purpose is to introduce yourself to us in a way that will help all of us get to know each other. Be sure to include specific details that show rather than tell. Consult your class notes about writing successful narratives. Your narrative should be two to four pages long." (Julie Neff-Lippman in Concepts in Composition: Theory and Practice in the Teaching of Writing , 2nd ed., by Irene L. Clark. Routledge, 2012)

Understanding Writing Prompts

"To help build students' skill in reading and understanding a prompt, you should spend a class period analyzing two prompts by discussing the kinds of questions students need to ask themselves as they plan a writing response. . . . 1. What form of writing is the prompt asking for? 2. What ideas or arguments will the reader expect you to suggest? Would these points be good paragraph topics? 3. What does the prompt expect you to do? 4. Who is the audience for this essay? 5. Write a quick one-sentence answer to each question asked in the prompt. Use these answers to develop your outline and thesis ." (Sydell Rabin, Helping Students Write to a Prompt . Scholastic, 2002)

Responding to Writing Prompts on the SAT

"Topics for writing prompts tend to be broad, open-ended, and adaptable enough for any test-taker to find something to write about. Remember that you will not need any specific subject matter knowledge to answer the question. The excerpt in this sample is a typical example: The role of advertising is to induce people to buy goods and services. Advertising is neither moral nor immoral. It is ethically neutral. The writing prompt will most likely be based on a statement or a quotation . In order to answer the question that follows, you must understand what the excerpt is about. However, if you can't figure out the meaning or aren't sure, don't worry. The test-writers tell you the issue in the assignment. "However, don't ignore the excerpt. You may find some phrases that you can use in your essay. Referring back to the excerpt by paraphrasing it or using some words from it can be an effective technique." (Margaret Moran, Master Writing for the SAT: What You Need for Test Success . Peterson's, 2008)

Expository and Persuasive Writing Prompts

"An expository prompt asks you to define, explain, or tell how to do something. The following is an example of an expository writing prompt. Most people have a favorite season or time of year. Write an essay describing your favorite season. Discuss what makes that season special to you. "A persuasive prompt asks you to convince the reader to accept your opinion or to take a specific action. The following is an example of a persuasive writing prompt. To cut back on expenses, your principal has asked the school board for permission to cancel all field trips for the remainder of the year. Some people think this is a good idea because they consider a field trip a 'vacation' from learning and therefore an unnecessary expense. Write to the school board explaining your position on the issue. Use facts and examples to develop your argument. " (J. Brice and Dana Passananti, OGT Ohio Graduation Test: Reading and Writing . Research & Education Association, 2007)

Photographs as Writing Prompts

"Keep in mind that students from diverse cultures may respond differently or not relate at all to some photos, especially when the photos are of unfamiliar objects, places, or people. As you select photographs to share as prompts for this activity, make sure you introduce them to your students and allow students to ask questions they might have about them. If you find that some students are so puzzled by a photograph that using it as a writing prompt would be counterproductive, then select an alternative photo for students to describe." (David Campos and Kathleen Fad, Tools for Teaching Writing: Strategies and Interventions for Diverse Learners in Grades 3-8 . ASCD, 2014)

Sources of Writing Prompts

"On occasions I invite participants in my [writing] group to open the dictionary to a word, any word, and offer it to the next person as her prompt, and so on, around the room with each writer receiving a different word to write from. And I never read anything without a notebook by my side or sticky notes within reach. You never know when the perfect prompt will appear. . . . "The real world can also be a source for writing prompts. I jot down phrases I hear during the day (a writer always eavesdrops), or something I've seen scrawled on a building ('This Is the Last Time'), or notes from a menu at lunch (juice from the ripest berries). . . . Even directions on a cereal box have served as a writing prompt for my drop-in group ('Slide finger under the flap and loosen gently'). Faulkner said there's a bit of the scavenger in every writer. This is what we do when we're collecting inspiration." (Judy Reeves, Writing Alone, Writing Together: A Guide for Writers and Writing Groups . New World Library, 2002)

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Everyone knows how overwhelming it can be to look at a blank screen or piece of paper when expected to write something. Imagine never being given any instruction on how to compose a piece of academic writing. That would be difficult! Although writing prompts might feel burdensome, they actually offer guidance to the writer. There are just a few strategies to understanding any prompt you're given so you can write the most effective essay possible in any circumstance.

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An Essay Prompt: Definition & Meaning

A writing prompt is an introduction to a topic as well as instruction on how to write about it. Writing prompts, often used for essay assignments, are meant to direct the writing and encourage interest in the topic of discussion.

An essay prompt could be anything meant to make you engage with the subject at hand; it could be a question, a statement , or even a picture or song. In addition to allowing you to interact with an academic topic, essay prompts are also crafted to challenge your writing skills.

A writing prompt will often explain what style or structure you should use in your essay (if not contained in the prompt itself, you should be informed elsewhere in the assignment). This all depends on what the writing prompt is asking you to do.

Prompt Writing Examples

Writing prompts can vary in style and length, and there are several different types, each focusing on something else.

Prompts can also vary by how much information they give you. Sometimes, a writing prompt will provide the writer with a scenario and ask them to defend their position on the topic, or give them a short reading assignment and ask them to respond. Other times, the prompt is very short and to the point.

It’s ultimately up to the writer to respond accordingly, but it’s helpful to understand what precisely you are supposed to do.

Below are the different types of essay prompts you might encounter, as well as an example of each. Some examples are lengthy and detailed, while others are simple questions; it is important to be prepared for either case.

Think about a prompt from your previous English assignments; what kind of essay prompt do you think it was? How did the prompt inform your writing?

Descriptive Writing Prompt

A descriptive writing prompt aims to get the writer to describe something specific.

How to respond: The goal here is to use vivid language, bringing the reader into the description so they almost feel like they are experiencing it for themselves.

Example prompt: Read the sample about leisure from George Eliot’s Adam Bede (1859). Compose a well-written essay describing her two views of leisure and discuss stylistic devices she uses to convey those views.

Narrative Writing Prompt

Narrative writing tells a story. A narrative essay prompt will ask you to walk the reader through an experience or scene using creative, insightful language.

A narrative essay prompt could easily be confused with descriptive. Still, the difference is that you’re responsible for explaining the series of events, not just describing one particular thing about the event. You may use elements of descriptive writing for a narrative essay .

How to respond: Be prepared to tell a story. It might be based on real-life experiences or entirely fictional— that is up to you. You’ll organize your response according to the series of events in the story.

Example prompt: Write a story about your favorite school memory. Include details such as who was there, where it was, what happened, and how it ended.

Expository Writing Prompt

Expository is a synonym for explanatory, so you will be asked to explain something in detail in this type of prompt. In an expository essay , you’ll need to support the information you’re sharing with facts.

How to respond: Depending on the topic, you should generate a hypothesis and use evidence to support it. Present a coherent argument to the reader.

Example prompt: On April 9, 1964, Claudia Johnson, First Lady of the United States, gave the following speech at the first-anniversary luncheon of the Eleanor Roosevelt Memorial Foundation. The foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to the works of former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who passed away in 1962. Read the passage carefully. Write an essay that analyzes the rhetorical choices First Lady Johnson makes in order to honor Eleanor Roosevelt.

In your response, you should do the following:

Respond to the prompt with a thesis that analyzes the writer’s rhetorical choices.

Select and use evidence to support your line of reasoning.

Explain how the evidence supports your line of reasoning.

Demonstrate an understanding of the rhetorical situation.

Notice how this sample prompt is much more detailed than the previous examples. If you receive a prompt like this, pay attention to every specific detail and be sure you respond to each piece of instruction; otherwise, you risk not entirely answering the assignment.

Persuasive Writing Prompt

A writing prompt that asks for a persuasive response is trying to get the writer to convince the audience of something. In persuasive writing, you’ll need to take a stance or side of an argument and persuade the reader to agree with your position.

How to respond: After considering the topic of the prompt, choose an argument that you can defend with logic and evidence (if possible) and try to convince the reader of your position.

Example prompt: Winston Churchill said, “There is nothing wrong in change, if it is in the right direction. To improve is to change, so to be perfect is to change often.”

- Winston S. Churchill, 23 June 1925, House of Commons

Although Winston Churchill may have made this statement somewhat jokingly, one may easily find support for both change “in the right direction” and change that is destructive. From personal experience or your studies, develop a position regarding one change that is or was viewed differently by different generations.

Steps to Understanding the Prompt

When presented with a writing prompt, you can take a few steps to make sure you fully understand the assignment and can produce the most effective essay or piece of writing. Regardless of the length of the prompt, what type it is, or how detailed it is, you can use this process to get a firm grasp on the meaning of the prompt and what to write in response.

1. Read and Re-Read the Prompt

Step one may feel like an obvious one, but the importance of reading the prompt well cannot be overstated. It’s also important to not just read it but to read it without focusing on what your response will be just yet. Your agenda in this step is to simply take in the information. Feel free to take notes or underline keywords if you're reading new information (and perhaps even if you're already familiar with it).

Consider reading the prompt several times for a deeper understanding (if time allows).

2. Read the Prompt Critically

Next, take another pass at the prompt, but this time read with a more critical eye. Look for keywords or phrases, and pay close attention to action words—the prompt is ultimately asking you to do something.

Start to look for details and information that you can use in your response. Take notes, circle, or underline anything you might use. This will save you time as you begin writing.

3. Summarize the Prompt in a Sentence

The purpose of step three is twofold: to summarize the prompt by distilling it down to its most important parts (i.e. the part that includes your assignment) and to put it in your own words. Pay attention to keywords and phrases used in the prompt, and be sure to include them in your summary.

Summarizing the prompt will allow you to fully digest the information in the prompt and further cement your understanding by reproducing it.

4. Ask Yourself Questions About the Prompt

It’s time to start thinking about the purpose of the assignment. You can ask yourself these questions to dig into what exactly you need to do next:

Understanding the Prompt: Who Is the Audience for the Essay?

Before you begin to write, you always need to identify your audience. Why? Because your audience should influence how you approach responding to the prompt. In an academic essay, you should always assume your audience is your teacher or whoever has written the essay prompt. Remember to write your essay in a way so that anyone can understand your response.

Understanding the Prompt: What Form of Writing Does it Require?

Do you need to construct an argument or narrate an event? Scan the prompt for clues about what type of response you should write. Sometimes a prompt will tell you precisely what type of essay to write, and other times you are given the freedom to respond as you see fit.

What Is the Purpose of the Prompt?

Look for action words in the prompt such as ‘describe’ or ‘explain’, as these give you a major clue about the purpose of the prompt. These words tell you what to do.

Here are a few keywords and phrases commonly used in writing prompts and their meanings:

Compare - look for similarities between two things (texts, images, etc.).

Contrast - look for differences between two things.

Define - explain what something means and give an official definition .

Illustrate - highlight some detail about the topic of discussion.

To figure out what a prompt is asking you to do, look for action verbs that will help direct the purpose of your response. In addition to those commonly used keywords, you should also pay attention to words that indicate a task or expectation for you, the writer. Here are a few examples:

• Incorporate

Be sure you accomplish the action requested in the prompt, using examples and details as necessary.

If you don’t find words like this, think through a possible response and try to identify what type of writing would answer the question posed in the prompt.

Understanding the Prompt: What Information Do I Need to Complete the Task?

Are there any graphs or statistics in the prompt that you might need to reference in your essay? Circle this information so you can easily find it later.

If this prompt is not part of an exam, you may want to research the topic to round out your answer with details and accurate information.

Understanding the Prompt: What Kind of Details or Arguments Does it Suggest?

Look for what information you’re supposed to include in your response. These are specific details the prompt asks you to consider, such as the findings of a study or a fictional character’s personality traits.

Is it possible that these details are enough to support your thesis statement? Could each detail be enough for an entire paragraph in a basic, five-paragraph structured essay? Answering these questions might be a big help as you begin to plan your essay.

I Understand the Prompt: Now What?

Now that you have come to thoroughly understand the prompt and what it is asking you to do, the next step is to plan an outline.

Even if you are taking an exam and have limited time, you should still devote a few minutes to drafting an outline. An outline is likely to save you time in the long run as it gives your writing direction, and it can keep you from meandering without ever proving your point.

Armed with a firm understanding of the prompt and an outline of how you intend to answer the prompt’s ultimate question, you can now begin to write your amazing essay!

Understanding the Prompt - Key takeaways

• A writing prompt is an introduction to a topic as well as instruction on how to write about it.
• A prompt is anything meant to engage you with a particular topic and is also meant to challenge your writing skills.
• Prompts can be descriptive, narrative, expository, or persuasive (and your writing should reflect the style of the prompt).
• Read (and re-read the prompt)
• Read the prompt critically

Summarize the prompt in a sentence

• Who is the audience?
• What form of writing does this require?
• What is the purpose of the prompt?
• What information do I need to complete the task?
• What kind of details or argument does it suggest?

Frequently Asked Questions about Understanding the Prompt

--> what does understanding the prompt mean.

Understanding the prompt means having a firm grasp on the topic and how the prompt has asked the writer to engage with or respond to it.

--> What is an essay prompt?

An essay prompt is an  introduction to a topic as well as  instruction on how to write about it.

--> What is a prompt example?

A prompt example would be: Take a position on the value of attempting difficult tasks, particularly when there is the guarantee that you will never achieve perfection. Support your position with personal experiences, observations, readings, and history.

--> What does prompt mean in writing?

A prompt is anything that encourages you to think about your relation to a topic and engage with it in the form of writing.

--> How do I write a prompt response?

Write a prompt response by first answering the following questions: 

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True or false, a prompt could be a picture.

What type of writing prompt would require a response that tells a story?

What type of writing prompt would require a response that formulates a hypothesis and uses evidence to support it?

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What is the definition of a prompt?

A writing prompt is an introduction to a topic as well as instruction on how to write about it. 

What should you do after reading the prompt several times for information and with a critical eye?

Which of the following it NOT a question to ask yourself about the prompt?

Is there anything in this prompt I can ignore?

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Effective Writing Assignments

Six parts of an effective prompt.

One of the most common challenges in designing a prompt is determining how much information to include. We recommend that you  limit the information provided on the prompt to the unique requirements for this assignment  and that you provide students with writing guides distinct from the prompt that outline your expectations for different types of assignments and different disciplines.

Of course, the following is just one model for arranging a prompt. We encourage you to adapt it as you see fit to best provide your students with the guidance that will help them produce the kinds of papers you want to read.

1. Articulation of purpose

This section explains the significance of the assignment itself by explaining  what skills students will display in their writing and why they are important.

This section may also identify the  audience  of the assignment. If the assignment has real-world applications (for example, if students are asked to construct a business memo), this section may present students with a scenario that their writing will address.

De Paul Teaching Commons identifies nine of the most common purposes for writing, including encouraging students to engage course material, to develop scholarly skills, and to bridge academic and real world understanding. On their site, they include a helpful  chart  that breaks each of these purposes into smaller goals and suggests which types of writing assignments engage each.

Below is a sample articulation of purpose. You can find the full prompt from which this example is drawn  here .

2. Summary of assignment

Essentially, this is the “thesis statement” of the prompt. Assignment summaries tend to work best when limited to a few sentences in which you provide students with the  genre of the assignment, the most important components of the assignment, and the audience for their paper.

You can find the full prompt from which this example is drawn here .

3. Logistics

This section provides students with the basic information about your requirements,  including the specific length, the due date, the method of submission, formatting requirements, and citation style.

You can find the full prompt from which this example is drawn  here .

4. Key components of the paper or important sections

This is a where you might provide  a brief synopsis of the genre ,  or type of assignment,in which students are writing and  address the types and number of sources they should use . You might also use this space to refer students to a writing guide.

5. Framing questions

This section is designed to  provide students with further guidance . Depending on the type of assignment, you might include either an overview of important sections or framing questions or both. The length of this section will depend on the degree to which you expect students to develop their own framing questions.

6. Evaluation criteria

This section could refer back to your  rubric , but it’s also a good idea to include those general categories on your prompt as well. Precise language is particularly helpful in this section. For examples of alternatives to criteria like “assignment is well-written,” you may want to check out our examples of precise language .

Bonus: References to Resources, Tips for Approaching the Project, Common Missteps & Models

References to resources.

As its name suggests, this section directs students to resources that will help them with their assignment. You might include links to websites or information about library resources available to them, suggestions for visiting the DEWC or departmental tutors, or other useful information.

Tips for Approaching the Project

Perhaps you want students to write their papers in a particular order or take notes in a certain way. By separating that information from the rest of the prompt, you can offer them with an easy way to reference your suggestions.

Common Errors

This can be a particularly helpful section to include – if students in your Business Writing class often lapse into poetic language or students in your Art History class tend to want to make value judgments about the works they’re analyzing, you can warn them off here.

Reproductions

We recommend providing models for writing  in your class throughout the semester. Providing a model of an exemplary paper for students when you distribute the prompt can go a long way toward producing the kind of papers you want to be grading.

Better Assignments.  Writing Center. Yale College. 2014. Web. 1 June 2014. 

Boye, Allison.  How Do I Create Meaningful and Effective Assignments?  Teaching, Learning, and Professional Development Center. Texas Tech University. 2014. 1 June 2014.

Brewster, Glen et al.  Formal Biology Lab Reports.  Writer’s Guide. Westfield State College. Web. 1 June 2014. 

Creating Effective Assignments.  Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. University of New Hampshire. 2004. Web. 1 June 2014.

Gardner, Traci.  Ten Tips for Designing Writing Assignments.  Pedablogical. 2001. Web. 1 June 2014.

Gately, Maeve.  Writing an Art History Paper.  Writing Resources. Hamilton College Writing Center. 2014. Web. 1 June 2014.

Guidelines for Analysis of Art .  Department of Art. University of Arkansas at Little Rock. n.d. Web. 1 June 2014.

Jehn, Tom, and Jane Rosenweig.  Writing in the Disciplines: Advice and Models: Supplement to accompany Diana Hacker’s A Writer’s Reference, Sixth Edition.  Boston: Bedford St. Martin’s. 2007.

Matching Learning Goals to Assignment Types.  De Paul Teaching Commons. DePaul University. n.d. Web. 1 June 2014.

Pop, Andrei.  How to Do Things with Pictures: A Guide for Writing in Art History. Disciplinary Writing Guides. Harvard Writing Project. 2008. Web. 1 June 2014.

Writing Assignments . Center for Teaching and Learning. Hobart and William Smith Colleges. 2014. Web. 1 June 2014.

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• How to write an argumentative essay | Examples & tips

How to Write an Argumentative Essay | Examples & Tips

Published on July 24, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

An argumentative essay expresses an extended argument for a particular thesis statement . The author takes a clearly defined stance on their subject and builds up an evidence-based case for it.

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Table of contents

When do you write an argumentative essay, approaches to argumentative essays, introducing your argument, the body: developing your argument, concluding your argument, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about argumentative essays.

You might be assigned an argumentative essay as a writing exercise in high school or in a composition class. The prompt will often ask you to argue for one of two positions, and may include terms like “argue” or “argument.” It will frequently take the form of a question.

The prompt may also be more open-ended in terms of the possible arguments you could make.

Argumentative writing at college level

At university, the vast majority of essays or papers you write will involve some form of argumentation. For example, both rhetorical analysis and literary analysis essays involve making arguments about texts.

In this context, you won’t necessarily be told to write an argumentative essay—but making an evidence-based argument is an essential goal of most academic writing, and this should be your default approach unless you’re told otherwise.

Examples of argumentative essay prompts

At a university level, all the prompts below imply an argumentative essay as the appropriate response.

Your research should lead you to develop a specific position on the topic. The essay then argues for that position and aims to convince the reader by presenting your evidence, evaluation and analysis.

• Don’t just list all the effects you can think of.
• Do develop a focused argument about the overall effect and why it matters, backed up by evidence from sources.
• Don’t just provide a selection of data on the measures’ effectiveness.
• Do build up your own argument about which kinds of measures have been most or least effective, and why.
• Don’t just analyze a random selection of doppelgänger characters.
• Do form an argument about specific texts, comparing and contrasting how they express their thematic concerns through doppelgänger characters.

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An argumentative essay should be objective in its approach; your arguments should rely on logic and evidence, not on exaggeration or appeals to emotion.

There are many possible approaches to argumentative essays, but there are two common models that can help you start outlining your arguments: The Toulmin model and the Rogerian model.

Toulmin arguments

The Toulmin model consists of four steps, which may be repeated as many times as necessary for the argument:

• Make a claim
• Provide the grounds (evidence) for the claim
• Explain the warrant (how the grounds support the claim)
• Discuss possible rebuttals to the claim, identifying the limits of the argument and showing that you have considered alternative perspectives

The Toulmin model is a common approach in academic essays. You don’t have to use these specific terms (grounds, warrants, rebuttals), but establishing a clear connection between your claims and the evidence supporting them is crucial in an argumentative essay.

Say you’re making an argument about the effectiveness of workplace anti-discrimination measures. You might:

• Claim that unconscious bias training does not have the desired results, and resources would be better spent on other approaches
• Cite data to support your claim
• Explain how the data indicates that the method is ineffective
• Anticipate objections to your claim based on other data, indicating whether these objections are valid, and if not, why not.

Rogerian arguments

The Rogerian model also consists of four steps you might repeat throughout your essay:

• Discuss what the opposing position gets right and why people might hold this position
• Highlight the problems with this position
• Present your own position , showing how it addresses these problems
• Suggest a possible compromise —what elements of your position would proponents of the opposing position benefit from adopting?

This model builds up a clear picture of both sides of an argument and seeks a compromise. It is particularly useful when people tend to disagree strongly on the issue discussed, allowing you to approach opposing arguments in good faith.

Say you want to argue that the internet has had a positive impact on education. You might:

• Acknowledge that students rely too much on websites like Wikipedia
• Argue that teachers view Wikipedia as more unreliable than it really is
• Suggest that Wikipedia’s system of citations can actually teach students about referencing
• Suggest critical engagement with Wikipedia as a possible assignment for teachers who are skeptical of its usefulness.

You don’t necessarily have to pick one of these models—you may even use elements of both in different parts of your essay—but it’s worth considering them if you struggle to structure your arguments.

Regardless of which approach you take, your essay should always be structured using an introduction , a body , and a conclusion .

Like other academic essays, an argumentative essay begins with an introduction . The introduction serves to capture the reader’s interest, provide background information, present your thesis statement , and (in longer essays) to summarize the structure of the body.

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a typical introduction works.

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its critical benefits for students and educators—as a uniquely comprehensive and accessible information source; a means of exposure to and engagement with different perspectives; and a highly flexible learning environment.

The body of an argumentative essay is where you develop your arguments in detail. Here you’ll present evidence, analysis, and reasoning to convince the reader that your thesis statement is true.

In the standard five-paragraph format for short essays, the body takes up three of your five paragraphs. In longer essays, it will be more paragraphs, and might be divided into sections with headings.

Each paragraph covers its own topic, introduced with a topic sentence . Each of these topics must contribute to your overall argument; don’t include irrelevant information.

This example paragraph takes a Rogerian approach: It first acknowledges the merits of the opposing position and then highlights problems with that position.

Hover over different parts of the example to see how a body paragraph is constructed.

A common frustration for teachers is students’ use of Wikipedia as a source in their writing. Its prevalence among students is not exaggerated; a survey found that the vast majority of the students surveyed used Wikipedia (Head & Eisenberg, 2010). An article in The Guardian stresses a common objection to its use: “a reliance on Wikipedia can discourage students from engaging with genuine academic writing” (Coomer, 2013). Teachers are clearly not mistaken in viewing Wikipedia usage as ubiquitous among their students; but the claim that it discourages engagement with academic sources requires further investigation. This point is treated as self-evident by many teachers, but Wikipedia itself explicitly encourages students to look into other sources. Its articles often provide references to academic publications and include warning notes where citations are missing; the site’s own guidelines for research make clear that it should be used as a starting point, emphasizing that users should always “read the references and check whether they really do support what the article says” (“Wikipedia:Researching with Wikipedia,” 2020). Indeed, for many students, Wikipedia is their first encounter with the concepts of citation and referencing. The use of Wikipedia therefore has a positive side that merits deeper consideration than it often receives.

An argumentative essay ends with a conclusion that summarizes and reflects on the arguments made in the body.

No new arguments or evidence appear here, but in longer essays you may discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your argument and suggest topics for future research. In all conclusions, you should stress the relevance and importance of your argument.

Hover over the following example to see the typical elements of a conclusion.

The internet has had a major positive impact on the world of education; occasional pitfalls aside, its value is evident in numerous applications. The future of teaching lies in the possibilities the internet opens up for communication, research, and interactivity. As the popularity of distance learning shows, students value the flexibility and accessibility offered by digital education, and educators should fully embrace these advantages. The internet’s dangers, real and imaginary, have been documented exhaustively by skeptics, but the internet is here to stay; it is time to focus seriously on its potential for good.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.

An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.

At college level, you must properly cite your sources in all essays , research papers , and other academic texts (except exams and in-class exercises).

Add a citation whenever you quote , paraphrase , or summarize information or ideas from a source. You should also give full source details in a bibliography or reference list at the end of your text.

The exact format of your citations depends on which citation style you are instructed to use. The most common styles are APA , MLA , and Chicago .

The majority of the essays written at university are some sort of argumentative essay . Unless otherwise specified, you can assume that the goal of any essay you’re asked to write is argumentative: To convince the reader of your position using evidence and reasoning.

In composition classes you might be given assignments that specifically test your ability to write an argumentative essay. Look out for prompts including instructions like “argue,” “assess,” or “discuss” to see if this is the goal.

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Gen ed writes, writing across the disciplines at harvard college, unpacking the elements of writing prompts.

What you learn in Expos courses about how to use a prompt

Most assignment prompts in Expos ask students to write in a specific genre (single-source analysis, comparative analysis, lens/test a theory, research essay, capstone presentation), while using specific sources, writing for specific audiences, using specific styles, and so on. In addition, the prompts for major assignments break the writing process down into smaller steps, such as response papers, drafts, and revisions (and maybe intermediary steps, e.g., annotated bibliographies or proposals).

The stable vocabulary students learn in Expos to communicate about writing—in prompts, workshops, conferences, and written feedback—is The Elements of Academic Argument , and the elements you see here in the left sidebar are drawn directly from that same list of terms. Click on any of the elements in the sidebar for an overview of why they're important and how to recognize them when you see them in a prompt.  

Skills that transfer beyond Expos 

Knowing how to unpack the elements of a writing prompt and break the writing process down into more manageable steps is immensely valuable, and a lot of the practice you get with this in Expos will translate directly into other courses. That being said, some prompts need more "decoding" than others to unpack everything, and it's maybe been a while since you've done it (or maybe you're in your first term and haven't taken Expos). No worries: the  assignment prompt decoder exercise will walk you through the process of unpacking and breaking down just about any writing prompt.

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Definition Essay Topics: The Best Selections

In the ever-evolving landscape of academic writing, the definition essay topic has emerged as a versatile and dynamic form of expression. However, what many may find surprising is that the roots of this genre trace back to ancient Greece, where philosophers like Socrates engaged in dialectical conversations to uncover the true essence of abstract concepts. These early philosophical dialogues laid the foundation for the modern definition essay, a genre that continues to thrive today, with topics ranging from profound metaphysical inquiries to the analysis of everyday concepts that shape our lives.

Definition Essay Topics: Short Description

In this article, you'll embark on a learning journey to grasp the ins and outs of what makes a definition essay unique. We'll guide you through the art of crafting these essays, providing you with the essential skills and techniques to express your ideas effectively. But that's not all – our platform, where you have the option to buy essay online , will also open the door to a world of inspiration with a plethora of engaging topic suggestions and enlightening example essays. With this resource at your fingertips, you're poised to become a confident and skilled at writing a definition essay in no time!

What is Definition Essay

At first glance, a definition essay might seem like the most straightforward form of writing. After all, it's right there in the name, isn't it? You define something, and you're done! Well, not quite. While the basic premise is to provide a clear and concise explanation of a particular term or concept, the true artistry of your definition custom essays lies in its ability to transcend mere dictionary definitions. It's a form of linguistic gymnastics, a quest to unlock the multifaceted nature of words and ideas.

Consider this: Is a tree merely a collection of roots, branches, leaves, and bark? Or is it something more profound? Exploring a topic for a definition essay ventures beyond the ordinary to dissect these elements, exploring their significance, historical context, and even their emotional resonance. It delves into the nuances, exposing the rich tapestry of meanings that a single word can carry.

One of the most alluring aspects of the definition essay topics is its dance with ambiguity. Words are not always neatly packaged entities; they often morph with time and context. What was once a straightforward term can evolve into a complex, multidimensional concept. This essay form allows writers to revel in this ambiguity, to question and examine the ever-shifting boundaries of language.

When generating captivating definition research paper topics , these concise points can serve as a starting point:

• Cultural Shifts : Investigate how societal changes reshape a term's meaning.
• Controversial Concepts : Explore terms sparking debates with multiple interpretations.
• Untranslatable Words : Delve into culturally unique, untranslatable terms.
• Morphing in the Digital Age : Examine how digital advancements redefine terminology.
• Philosophical Abstractions : Analyze complex philosophical concepts.
• Cultural Context : Study how terms vary across cultures and regions.
• Concepts in Literature and Art : Explore how artists redefine terms.

Key Aspects of Good Definition Essay Topics

Choosing the right definition essay topic can be as daunting as searching for buried treasure. However, when it comes to writing a definition essay, the quest for the perfect topic becomes an art in itself. So, what are the key aspects of a captivating definition essay topic? Let's embark on this intellectual adventure and unearth the gems hidden within these topics.

• Complexity and Depth : Much like when learning how to write a hook for an essay , look for terms that aren't just superficial labels but concepts with depth, history, and room for interpretation.
• Controversy and Debate : Seek out topics that spark debate and controversy. These are the battlefields of ideas, where multiple perspectives collide.
• Relevance and Significance : The best topics are those that resonate with the times. A topic that speaks to the human experience, both past and present, is worth its weight in gold.
• Personal Connection : A great definition essay topic often has a personal resonance. This personal connection can infuse your essay with passion and authenticity, making it more engaging for your readers.
• Room for Exploration : A good topic should provide ample room for exploration. It shouldn't be so narrow that you run out of things to say after a few paragraphs, nor so broad that it becomes overwhelming.
• Intellectual Challenge : Embrace the challenge. A good topic should make you think, question, and dig deeper. It should push you to research, analyze, and perhaps even challenge your own assumptions.
• Uniqueness : Finally, strive for uniqueness. While classic topics have their merits, exploring lesser-known terms or offering a fresh perspective on a well-trodden path can make your essay stand out.

How To Choose Definition Essay Topics

Selecting the perfect words for your paper can be a formidable task. Here's a guide to help you navigate this linguistic maze:

• Embrace Complexity : Don't settle for words with a single, straightforward meaning. Opt for terms that invite you to flex your writing muscles and showcase your subject expertise.
• Stir Debate : Seek words that thrive on controversy within varying contexts. A great definition essay thrives on the debates surrounding the term, so choose words that spark discussions.
• Build Your Lexicon : Create a repository of potential definition essay topic ideas, especially when your instructor leaves the choice up to you. Having a list ready ensures you're never short of intriguing subjects.
• Multiple Meanings : Delve into the richness of language by exploring words with multiple meanings. They offer a canvas for you to paint multifaceted portraits of ideas, pushing your writing to new heights.

Diving into Intriguing Definition Essay Topics

Having a captivating topic at your disposal is like holding the key to unlocking a world of ideas. It's your ticket to dive deep into a subject, concept, or notion and let your creativity soar. Below, you'll find an endless list of captivating topic ideas to spark your creativity and inspire your writing journey. So, let your exploration begin!

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Send us your request and be sure that you’ll receive a definition essay on any topic of the highest quality within the set timeframe!Diving into Intriguing Definition Essay Topics

Extended Definition Essay Topics

• Cybersecurity: Explore the evolving concept of cybersecurity in the digital age and its importance in safeguarding information.
• Cancel Culture: Analyze the phenomenon of 'cancel culture' and its impact on freedom of speech and public figures.
• Sustainable Living: Define what it means to live sustainably and how individuals can make environmentally conscious choices.
• Mental Health Stigma: Investigate the stigma surrounding mental health and how it affects individuals and society.
• Intersectionality: Delve into the concept of intersectionality, examining how various social identities intersect and influence a person's experiences.
• Artificial Intelligence: Define the ever-expanding world of artificial intelligence and its implications for society, ethics, and employment.
• Cultural Appropriation: Explore the nuances of cultural appropriation in fashion, art, and entertainment industries.
• The Gig Economy: Define the gig economy and its impact on the traditional job market and workers' rights.
• Gender Fluidity: Analyze the concept of gender fluidity and how it challenges traditional gender norms.
• Cryptocurrency: Define the world of cryptocurrency and its potential to reshape the financial landscape.
• Climate Change: Explore the concept of climate change and its far-reaching effects on the planet, ecosystems, and human societies.
• Body Positivity: Examine the body positivity movement and its role in redefining beauty standards and self-esteem.
• Online Privacy: Define online privacy in the digital age and discuss the ethical implications of data collection and surveillance.
• Civic Engagement: Analyze the concept of civic engagement and its importance in modern democracies, focusing on youth involvement.
• Minimalism: Explore the philosophy of minimalism and its impact on lifestyle, consumerism, and sustainability.

Funny Definition Essay Topics

• Procrastination: Define the art of procrastination and its various stages, from 'productive procrastination' to 'epic procrastination fails.'
• Internet Memes: Explore the world of internet memes, their origins, and their role in modern online culture.
• Dad Jokes: Define the characteristics of dad jokes and their enduring appeal, even when they make us groan.
• The 'Hangry' Phenomenon: Analyze the concept of being 'hangry' (hungry + angry) and its effects on behavior and relationships.
• Netflix Binge-Watching: Define the act of binge-watching TV series on Netflix and its impact on productivity and sleep patterns.
• The Art of Selfies: Explore the world of selfies and the psychology behind capturing the perfect self-portrait.
• Properly Folding Fitted Sheets: Define the elusive skill of folding fitted sheets in a way that doesn't resemble a wad of laundry.
• The Perfect Cup of Coffee: Analyze what constitutes the perfect cup of coffee and the rituals surrounding its creation.
• Social Media Stalking: Explore the humorous side of social media stalking and the fine line between curiosity and obsession.
• Tardiness: Define the concept of 'always late' and the comical excuses that accompany perpetual tardiness.
• Pajama Fashion: Examine the trend of wearing pajamas in public and the evolving definition of comfortable fashion.
• The 'Unread' Email: Define the ever-expanding category of unread emails in our inboxes and the guilt it carries.
• The 'Diet Starts Tomorrow' Mentality: Analyze the humorous cycle of starting a diet 'tomorrow' and the pitfalls of procrastination in healthy living.
• Pet Personifications: Explore how pet owners anthropomorphize their pets and the humorous conversations they have with their furry friends.
• The 'I'll Just Google It' Approach to DIY: Define the DIY spirit and the humorous consequences of relying on Google for home improvement projects.

Society Definition Essay Topics

• Community: Explore the meaning of a 'community' in the digital age and its role in people's lives.
• Cultural Diversity: Explore the significance of cultural diversity in contemporary society.
• Work-Life Balance: Analyze the concept of work-life balance and its significance in modern society.
• Family Dynamics: Explore changing family dynamics and relationships in today's society.
• Education Accessibility: Define education accessibility and its impact on social mobility.
• Youth Engagement: Analyze the role of youth engagement in shaping the future of societies.
• Consumer Culture: Define the influence of consumer culture on societal values and priorities.
• Environmental Conservation: Define environmental conservation and its significance in contemporary society.
• Online Dating: Analyze the impact of online dating on modern relationships and societal norms.
• Volunteerism: Explore the meaning and importance of volunteerism in society today.

Creative Definition Essay Topics

• Techlash: Define the concept of 'techlash' - the backlash against big tech companies - and explore its implications for the tech industry and society.
• Instafame: Analyze the notion of 'instafame,' where individuals become famous primarily through social media platforms like Instagram.
• Eco-Anxiety: Define 'eco-anxiety' and its growing presence in a world grappling with climate change and environmental concerns.
• Nomophobia: Explore the term' nomophobia,' or the fear of being without one's mobile phone, and its impact on modern behavior.
• Doomscrolling: Analyze the phenomenon of 'doomscrolling,' where individuals obsessively consume negative news and its effects on mental health.
• Infodemic: Define 'infodemic,' the overwhelming spread of misinformation during crises, such as pandemics, and its consequences.
• Dark Patterns: Define 'dark patterns' in UX design and how they are used to influence user behavior online.
• Virtual Learning Fatigue: Explore 'virtual learning fatigue' and the challenges it poses to students during remote education.
• Algorithmic Bias: Analyze the issue of 'algorithmic bias' in technology and its impact on fairness and equity in AI systems.
• Zoom Fatigue: Define 'Zoom fatigue' and discuss its prevalence in a world increasingly reliant on virtual meetings.
• Post-Truth Era: Explore the 'post-truth era,' characterized by the erosion of facts and objective reality in public discourse.
• FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): Define 'FOMO' and discuss how it affects decision-making and well-being in the digital age.
• Digital Detox: Analyze the concept of a 'digital detox' and its popularity as a way to combat screen addiction and regain mindfulness.
• Phubbing: Analyze the term 'phubbing,' or the act of snubbing someone in favor of a mobile phone, and its impact on interpersonal relationships and communication.
• Influencer Burnout: Define 'influencer burnout' and examine the pressures and challenges faced by social media influencers in their pursuit of online fame and success.

Common Definition Essay Topics

• Friendship: Define the concept of friendship and its characteristics, such as trust, loyalty, and companionship.
• Success: Analyze what constitutes success and how it varies from person to person and across cultures.
• Love: Define the multifaceted and often complex emotion of love, exploring its different forms and expressions.
• Respect: Define respect and its significance in personal relationships, professional settings, and society at large.
• Courage: Analyze the concept of courage, discussing acts of bravery and their motivations.
• Happiness: Define happiness and explore the factors that contribute to individual happiness and well-being.
• Freedom: Analyze the meaning of freedom and its various dimensions, including political, personal, and social freedom.
• Justice: Define justice and its role in legal systems, fairness, and the treatment of individuals in society.
• Leadership: Explore the qualities and attributes that define effective leadership in various contexts.
• Beauty: Define beauty and discuss how perceptions of beauty can be subjective and culturally influenced.

History Definition Essay Topics

• Colonialism: Define colonialism and discuss its impact on colonized regions, economies, and cultures.
• Renaissance: Analyze the Renaissance period and its contributions to art, literature, and intellectual thought.
• Industrial Revolution: Define the Industrial Revolution and its transformative effects on society, labor, and urbanization.
• Civil Rights Movement: Explore the Civil Rights Movement and its pursuit of equality and racial justice in the United States.
• Feudalism: Define feudalism and its hierarchical social structure during the Middle Ages.
• Imperialism: Analyze imperialism and the expansion of European powers into Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
• Enlightenment: Define the Enlightenment era and its emphasis on reason, science, and individual rights.
• World War I: Explore the causes, events, and consequences of World War I on a global scale.
• Great Depression: Define the Great Depression and its impact on the economy, society, and government policies.
• Cold War: Analyze the Cold War era, including the ideological conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union.
• Holocaust: Define the Holocaust and its tragic events during World War II, discussing its historical significance.
• Cultural Revolution (China): Explore China's Cultural Revolution and its profound impact on society, politics, and culture.
• Ancient Egypt: Define the civilization of Ancient Egypt and its contributions to architecture, religion, and governance.
• The French Revolution: Analyze the French Revolution and its role in the transformation of France and Europe.
• The Silk Road: Define the historical Silk Road trade routes and their impact on the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures.

Philosophy Definition Essay Topics

• Existentialism: Define existentialism and explore its key principles, including individual freedom and the search for meaning in life.
• Utilitarianism: Analyze the philosophy of utilitarianism, which focuses on maximizing overall happiness and minimizing suffering.
• Ethical Relativism: Define ethical relativism and discuss the idea that ethical standards vary depending on culture and context.
• Dialectical Materialism: Explore the concept of dialectical materialism, a fundamental principle in Marxist philosophy.
• Absurdism: Define absurdism and discuss its exploration of the inherent meaninglessness of life.
• Virtue Ethics: Analyze virtue ethics and its emphasis on cultivating moral character traits.
• Determinism: Define determinism and examine the philosophical debate over free will and determinism.
• Social Contract Theory: Explore social contract theory and its implications for political philosophy and governance.
• Dualism: Analyze dualism, which posits a separation between mind and body, and its philosophical implications.
• Hedonism: Define hedonism and discuss the pursuit of pleasure as the highest good.
• Epistemology: Explore epistemology, the study of knowledge, and its branches, including empiricism and rationalism.
• Ontology: Define ontology and discuss its exploration of the nature of being and existence.
• Skepticism: Analyze philosophical skepticism and its questioning of the certainty of knowledge.
• Aesthetics: Explore aesthetics, the philosophy of art and beauty, and its subjective nature.
• Nihilism: Define nihilism and discuss its rejection of traditional values and beliefs.

More Interesting Definition Essay Topics

• Techno-Optimism: Define 'techno-optimism' and explore how it shapes attitudes toward technology's potential to solve global challenges.
• Technostress: Define 'technostress' and explore its emergence in the digital age due to technology's overwhelming presence.
• Dystopia: Define 'dystopia' and explore its characteristics, drawing parallels with contemporary society and literature.
• Inclusivity: Explain the term 'inclusivity' and its role in promoting diversity and equity in various settings.
• Deep Learning: Define 'deep learning' and its significance in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analysis.
• Bioethics: Explore the field of 'bioethics' and its application in addressing ethical dilemmas in healthcare and biotechnology.
• Cognitive Dissonance: Define 'cognitive dissonance' and discuss how it influences decision-making and behavior.
• Information Overload: Explore 'information overload' and its impact on individuals' ability to process and manage vast amounts of data.
• Virtual Reality: Define 'virtual reality' and discuss its applications beyond gaming, such as therapy, education, and architecture.
• Quantum Supremacy: Define 'quantum supremacy' and discuss its significance in the field of quantum computing.

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.
• Add Your Insight : Alongside official dictionary definitions, provide your personal interpretations of the terms. Maintain a balanced perspective, avoiding excessive subjectivity.
• Real-Life Examples : Enhance comprehension by incorporating real-world examples that illustrate how the term is used in context.
• Embrace Complexity : Select social issues topics with multiple meanings, such as beauty, fight, freedom, or rock, to enrich your analysis.
• Skip the Mundane : Avoid discussing universal words like 'hi,' 'café,' or 'telephone' to ensure a more engaging essay.
• Research Matters : While it's not a research paper, conduct some background research to uncover the term's origins, various meanings, and historical usage, making your essay more captivating.

Definition Essay Example

Here, we've prepared some compelling definition essay examples that illuminate the richness of language and thought, providing clarity on topics both familiar and intriguing. These definition essay topics invite you to embark on a journey of understanding, where your own words and concepts reveal their hidden depths and discover more about the human experience.

Final Words

In the realm of definition essays, the power of words to shape our understanding of the world becomes evident. Through this diverse array of topics, we've unlocked the doors to deeper comprehension and insight. So, choose your definition essay topic wisely, apply your unique perspective, and let the fascinating world of definitions broaden your horizons, one word at a time. And if you ever need a simple yet helpful guide to how to write a conclusion for an essay , we've got you covered on that too!

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Ever struggled to pick a good topic for your definition essay? You're not alone; it can be a real challenge.

Choosing the right topic isn't just about finding something random. It's about picking one that gets you excited and grabs your reader's attention.

But don't worry! We have got you covered. 

In this blog, you’ll get some great definition essay topics and useful tips on how to choose a definition essay topic. All you have to do is give this article a good read and pick an amazing topic of your interest.

• 1. A Closer Look at Definition Essay
• 2. Definition Essay Topics Ideas
• 3. Funny Definition Essay Topics
• 4. Creative Definition Essay Topics 
• 5. Easy Definition Essay Topics 
• 6. Good Definition Essay Topics
• 7. Extended Definition Essay Topics
• 8. Random Definition Essay Topics
• 9. Definition Argumentative Essay Topics
• 10. Controversial Definition Essay Topics
• 11. How to Choose a Definition Essay Topic?
• 12. Tips on How to Write a Definition Essay

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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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457 Definition Essay Topics and Writing Tips

A definition explains the meaning of a term or a concept. In a dictionary, you’ll find a definition in a single sentence. A definition paper, however, encompasses several paragraphs. Such an essay, amongst other things, can include personal experience and examples.

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To write a successful definition paper, you need to provide a unique view of your chosen subject. In this article by Custom-Writing.org , we have compiled a list of the best definition essay ideas for high school and college students. We will also:

• explain how to choose a topic;
• give some writing tips;
• provide a definition essay sample.   
• 🔝 Top 10 Topics
• ⭐ How to Choose a Topic
• 💭 Top 7 Prompts
• 👍 70 Easy Definition Topics
• 🏫 High School Topics
• 🎓 Definition Topics for College

🧐 Definition Argument Topics

• 🤯 Controversial Definition Topics
• 🎈 Funny Definition Topics
• 📚 Other Topics
• ✅ Essay Writing Tips
• 📑 Definition Essay Example

🔍 References

🔝 top 10 definition essay topics.

• Can love be defined? 
• Is empathy a weakness? 
• Is optimism a strength? 
• How do you define success? 
• What is considered racism? 
• What does it mean to be happy? 
• What is independence for you? 
• When does one become an adult? 
• What does it take to be an ambitious person? 
• How to know if someone is a perfectionist?

⭐ Definition Essay Topics: How to Choose

When it comes to papers explaining a concept, essay topics are notoriously hard to choose. How do you find a good idea to write about? Well, here are a few steps that you might want to consider while making the decision:

• Choose a word with a complex meaning. For instance, notions such as “love” or “home” are hard to define because everyone has their own understanding of them.
• Make sure the meaning of the word is arguable. Unlike “love” and “home,” words such as “coffee” or “hose” have a precise meaning you can’t really argue about.
• Choose the word you are familiar with. You can educate yourself on the meaning of certain words before writing an essay, but it’s still different from incorporating it into your daily life.

So, let’s get started with our prompts and topics for a definition essay!

💭 Top 7 Definition Essay Prompts

Definition of love essay prompt.

Practically all people have felt love at some point in their life. However, what is love, exactly? How do you define it? Well, love is a term that encompasses various meanings and has different implications:

• You can write about different characteristics of love. For instance, it can be all-consuming and passionate or tender and gentle.
• There are various types of love, such as romantic and platonic, and you can explore them in your essay.
• You may also dive into how love shouldn’t necessarily be related to another human being. One can also love certain activities or objects. 
• Another widely discussed topic is the love language. You can write about how different people perceive and express their love.

Family Definition Essay Prompt

Family is another term that has a vast spectrum of meanings. Here are some ideas for your essay:

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• Talk about the difference between an immediate and a chosen family. For instance, you may think of family while referring to your parents or siblings. For others, a family can also be a group of people who love and care for one another. It doesn’t matter if they are related by blood or not.
• You can talk about the traditional understanding of a family vs. the modern one.

Definition of a Hero Essay Prompt

People’s ideas of heroes and heroic qualities change throughout time. Consider discussing the following in your essay:

• Look into the mythological roots of a hero and how Ancient Greeks described someone with heroic traits.
• Talk about the modern understanding of a hero.
• Is having superpowers a pre-requirement to being a hero, or can anyone spiritually strong and brave be called a hero?

Racism Definition Essay Prompt

Racism is one of the most permanent issues in society. It happens when people divide themselves into exclusive, separate groups according to their race and skin color. In your paper, you may discuss:

• Talk about how the word “racism” when it comes to law and the legal system.
• You can talk about the etymology of the word racism and how it came to be.
• Discuss how racism is understood in philosophy, literature, and psychology.
• Mention the differences between the implications the term “racism” has when it comes to social life and the law.

Home Definition Essay Prompt

If you look up the word “home” in a dictionary, you’ll see definitions like “a place where a person lives” or “a place where one originally comes from.” However, each person has a different understanding of what it actually means. Here are a few things that you can discuss in your essay:

• You can write about your interpretation of the famous saying, “There’s no place like home.” 
• Talk about the differences between “home” and “house.”
• Explore how the word “home” is understood in philosophy, literature, and psychology.

Definition Essay: American Dream Prompt

American Dream is a concept that’s almost synonymous with the word America itself. This term and its meaning have been discussed since its first appearance in Epic of America in 1931. You can explore the following topics in your paper:

• Discuss how the notion of the American Dream has changed and evolved throughout time.
• Write about the concept of “4 freedoms for all” and how it has affected people’s perception of the American Dream.
• You may also want to mention globalization and how it has affected people’s interpretation of the American Dream.

Kindness Definition Essay Prompt

The concept of what it means to be kind is debated in religion, philosophy, and psychology. Writing about this topic will allow you to contemplate and look at it from different perspectives. Here are some exciting ideas to consider:

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• Discuss the phenomenon of kindness and how it’s reflected in philosophy, religion, and literature.
• Talk about the concept of kindness and its origin. You can see how people’s understanding of being kind has evolved through time. 
• Interpret the phrase “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” You can discuss how this saying relates to people’s perception of kindness.
• Talk about altruism and to what extent this principle reflects the meaning people attach to the word “kindness.”  

👍 70 Best Definition Essay Topics: Easy & Exciting

• What is anarchism ?
• What does “ commitment ” mean?
• The ancient and modern concept of a healthy person.
• Why does “break a leg” mean “good luck”?
• How does the definition of mimesis change through time?
• Define postmodern theatre and its elements.
• What is the difference between Platonic and Aristotelian understandings of mimesis?
• What is euthanasia, and how is it different from assisted suicide ?
• What is industrialization, and how does it affect our society ?
• Define individualism from a psychological and sociological perspective.
• How would you define grief ?
• What is the poetry of mourning ?
• The concept of independence .
• What does it mean “to narrate” in literature ?
• Define liberalism as a political ideology .
• How does the concept of family vary depending on the culture ?
• Egoism in psychology.
• The meaning behind the phrase “ peace of mind.”
• Interpreting Marxism .
• What is metaphysics about ?
• How would you define modernism in theatre?
• Define Nietzsche’s ideas of nihilism.
• Define the abolitionist movement in Western Europe and the Americas.
• The origin of the word “science.”
• What is an eating disorder ?
• What is Ziggurat, and how is it important to the ancient Mesopotamian culture ?
• What is anorexia ?
• The meaning of depression from a medical perspective.
• What does bulking mean in sports ?
• People’s perception of sports as a hobby and as a career.
• What does it mean to “do business”?
• What is a kinetic sculpture ?
• Papier-mâché and its place in sculpting.
• The concept of death and how it affects people’s perception of life .
• What is the origin and meaning of the word arena?
• Religion as a belief and an institutionalized notion.
• Define pacifism and what it means to be a pacifist .
• How would you define artistic works through philosophy?
• What is cultural pluralism ?
• What does it mean to be responsible ?
• What is “ common sense ?”
• Define the modern phenomenon of cyberbullying .
• Ego and egoism : how are the two connected?
• How would you define the word “rosary”?
• Altruism and kindness: the definitions.
• People’s understanding of success in the 21st century .
• What is the Indian reservation , and what historical importance does it have?
• Trauma in psychology.
• What is the equality of rights?
• The image of a contemporary vs. ancient hero .
• What is democracy?
• What is an argument in writing?
• What does it means to lose one’s identity ?
• What is the meaning of identity in the cultural context ?
• The concept of time in history.
• The perspective on time : linear and circular.
• What does it mean to be confident ?
• People’s perception of gender and the impact it has on society.
• Define gothic literature and talk about its key features.
• What does the word “ taboo ” means?
• Define grotesque and its importance in art .
• What is maturity in psychology?
• A butterfly effect in chaos theory .
• The meaning of ethics in philosophy .
• What does it mean to “fancy someone”?
• The understanding of science in ancient Greece and philosophy .
• People’s interpretation of art and beauty in the Middle Ages .
• What can be called poetry ?
• What does it mean to “make a long story short”?
• How people’s perception of war has been changing throughout history.

🏫 Definition Essay Topics for High School

• What is global warming ?
• How would you define progress ?
• Define imperialism .
• What is polynomial in mathematics?
• How are the ideas of imperialism reflected in Orwell’s essay Shooting an Elephant ?
• The meaning of the hippie movement in the 60s and 70s.
• How would you interpret the saying “a friend in need is a friend in deed?”
• What is the cultural meaning of the tea ceremony in Japan ?
• Define teamwork in business.
• What does it mean to be a good student ?
• What is mass culture as opposed to popular culture?
• The meaning of the phrase “ natural beauty .”
• What does it mean to be a good role model ?
• What is self-confidence ?
• Intellectual and intelligent: is there any difference?
• What is popular culture ?
• Social media and its influence on teenagers’ communication skills .
• Define parenthood .
• What is alliteration in poetry?
• What does it mean to be a reliable person?
• What is classical music ?
• How would you define happiness ?
• Does social media increase people’s anxiety levels?
• Why do smartphones decrease our attention span?
• What can be considered an artwork ?
• Globalization in contemporary art .
• The meaning and the usage of the term lithography.
• Activism as an art form.
• Explain the term decalcomania.
• What does the expression “bite the bullet” mean?
• What is biochemistry , and how is it used in nursing?
• Astrophysics vs. astrochemistry: definition.
• What is sarcasm ?
• How would you define antisemitism ?
• What does it mean to have a bad sense of humor ?
• What does it mean “ to oppress ?”
• Define careerism .
• What is housing segregation ?
• The concept of collectivism in communism.
• The meaning of consumerism in the modern world.
• What does it mean to be cynical?
• Meaning of determinism in philosophy .
• Define fascism during the Second World War.
• What are the fundamental principles of fatalism ?
• The philosophy of finalism.
• What is Hinduism ?
• The critical points of liberal discourse.
• What does it mean “ to exploit ”?
• What can be called “ realistic “?
• What does it mean to be creative ?

Feel free to explore our list of high school essay topics for more ideas.

🎓 Definition Essay Topics for College Students

• Harlem Renaissance and Jazz Music.
• Define Jazz culture in the ’90s America.
• What is capitalism ?
• The meaning of calisthenics.
• Define a nuclear family .
• What is transcendentalism ?
• Define surrealism in painting.
• The relation between puritanism and capitalism.
• What does it mean to have freedom of choice?
• Capitalism vs. Communism : which one is more human-oriented? 
• Does Jimi Hendrix’s performance of Star Spangled Banner in 1969 correspond with the definition of activism ?
• The philosophy of absurdism in Albert Camus’s works .
• Impressionism vs. Expressionism: meanings .
• How would you define a sense of responsibility ?
• What is an operating system (Windows, Mac, etc.) ?
• What does “ a start-up ” mean?
• What is a farewell ?
• Beauty standards in the 20 th century and medieval Europe.
• Define the omniscient narrator in a novel .
• How is French materialism different from American materialism?
• Define the 3 rd wave of feminism .
• Admiration and respect : differences in defining.
• What is artificial intelligence ?
• Define the concept of memory in history and science. 
• What is a genetic code?
• Immunology and its impact on modern medicine.
• What is gene therapy ?
• What are prions ?
• How does drama translation differ from prose translation?
• What is an extreme long shot, and how is it used in movies?
• According to Structuralism , what are “Langue” and “Parole”? 
• In your opinion, what is the main difference between Structuralism and Poststructuralism? 
• Define the poetry of the Beat Generation.
• The importance of Thought and Language in George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984 .
• What is a loophole?
• Define multiculturalism and its effect on society.
• What is Brexit ? 
• What is social identity ?
• How does social media affect people’s idea of attractiveness ?
• Male vs. female gaze : how it is used in cinema.
• What makes something “ addictive “?
• Define the Silent Movie Era as opposed to sound films .
• The meaning of the American Dream as depicted in road movies.
• What is so unique about film noir ?
• The meaning of mental health portrayed in movies and how it affects people’s perception of it.
• What is online education ?
• Hip-hop culture and b-boying: definition and historical roots.
• Define modern poetry .
• What is blues , and how is it different from jazz?
• Define imagism in poetry .

Want more essay ideas? Check out our list of essay ideas for college students !

• Science is not always precise.
• Sports should be encouraged more.
• Should uniform in school be obligatory?
• What are the effects of global warming ?
• Pros and cons of the death penalty .
• Do students benefit from assignments ?
• Ways to deal with drug abuse .
• Why should childbirth be encouraged?
• Natural food is more beneficial for health than manufactured products.
• Children should be taught about sex from an early age.
• Education has no actual value in the modern world.
• Does the legalization of drugs have a positive or negative effect on society ?
• Why is diet more effective than doing sports for losing weight ?
• Working out is beneficial for mental health . 
• The Keto diet doesn’t work for everyone.
• Weightlifting helps with weight loss .
• Natural protein is better than protein supplements .
• Does the level of emotional affect depend on gender ?
• The reasons why we should ban factory farming .
• Animal testing is unethical .
• Farm animals should not be treated with antibiotics .
• Should vaccination be mandatory ?
• Is there a way to store nuclear waste safely?
• Plastic surgery reinforces beauty standards.
• Is vaping less harmful than smoking?
• Animal testing is a necessary evil.
• The benefits of animal-assisted therapy .
• Advertising can be considered an art form.
• Animal euthanasia should be illegal.
• There should be no mandatory military service .
• Education should be free .
• Is a vegan diet beneficial for your health?
• Should parents limit screen time for their children ? 
• Unpaid internships should be illegal.
• Should teachers be able to express their political views freely?
• Schools should start later.
• Should the grading system be abolished?
• Art should not be censored.
• Video games can be good for children’s development.
• It is essential to encourage kids to do sports.
• Live-action movies are better than animated ones .
• GMOs are not safe for consumption and should be banned .
• Should children own personal mobile phones ?
• Reading helps to develop creativity.
• Group training and mental help services are essential for large organizations .
• Does the use of outsourcing take away legal responsibilities?
• Technology affects the way businesses deal with their failures.
• Is it morally acceptable to advertise to minors?

When it comes to the definition argument essay, you may need to do a little more research and support your ideas with some strong arguments. First, you need to introduce the issue, state the claim and define the key term. Then you can present your arguments to prove your point and convince the reader. For more ideas, check out our list of argumentative topics .

🤯 Controversial Definition Essay Topics

• What are the benefits of sex education in school ?
• What is a polyamorous relationship ?
• The meaning of death penalties .
• What can be considered a mental disorder ?
• Different perceptions of age in various cultures.
• What is abortion ?
• People’s changing attitude towards childbirth .
• Define assisted suicide .
• What is taurobolium in religious cults?
• The meaning and benefits of gun control .
• Free journalism doesn’t exist anymore: is it true?
• Define violence in video games .
• What is internet addiction ?
• The meaning of love in popular culture.
• How polygamy is understood in modern society.
• What is cannibalism ?
• The usage of the n-word: who has the right to say it?
• The perception of underage marriages in different cultures.
• What is artificial insemination?
• What are the negative aspects of the feminist movement ?
• What is considered explicit content ?
• How would you define consciousness ?
• What is home-schooling ?
• Define prostitution in ancient Greece.
• What is a prison in the cultural context?
• What can be called “ censorship “?
• Define “a man” and “a woman .”
• Define climate change and its impact on social movements.
• What is illegal immigration, and what are its leading causes ?
• What is a “ prescription drug “?
• Vaping vs. smoking : definition.
• What is an ethical zoo ?
• Explain the meaning of the word “ crime. ”
• What does the word “ gender ” means?
• Define the word “ orphan. ”
• Define the LGBTQ + rights movement.
• What does “gender-neutral” mean?
• The meaning and benefits of conventional medicine .
• Cancel culture: what is it ?
• What is anorexia in a medical context?
• The most common side effects of war .

Some issues cause controversy due to people’s divided opinions and feelings about them. You may want to pay special attention to those topics and be more careful while discussing them. For more ideas, check out our list of controversial issues .

🎈 Funny Definition Essay Topics

• What does it mean to be an expert in gaming ?
• What are the implications behind the phrase “I got a nice job ”?
• What does “chilling” mean?
• Describe the various meanings of the verb “ to quit ” and its usage.
• Define the worst tattoo ever.
• What kind of song can be called a love ballad ?
• What does a “dirty joke” mean?
• Define stand-up comedy .
• How would you interpret the phrase “couch potato”?
• Define humor in Family Guy .
• What does “drama queen” mean?
• Stereotypes and how they are used in movies and books.
• What does it mean to “skip classes”?
• What does “pulling an all-nighter” mean?
• What are good drinking habits?
• Reasons why silly movies make you feel good about yourself.
• What does “friendship zone” mean?
• In your opinion, what qualities does one need to have to be described as a player ?
• What does it mean to “have a crush”?
• What does “ to break up ” mean?
• Define femininity and its attributes.
• What does the word “frenemies” mean?
• What dishes can be called Mediterranean?
• What does it mean to have a “cat nap”?
• What is a horoscope, and why are people so obsessed with it?
• How do you understand the expression “fake person”?
• What does it mean to be attractive ?
• What is a Quentin Tarantino movie ?
• What does it mean to be a narcissist ?
• Where does the phrase “ sweet tooth ” comes from?
• Define gen Z .
• How would you define fashion ?
• What does the phrase “Netflix and chill” mean?
• What does it mean “ to cheat ” on someone?
• Who are “boomers” ?
• What is WWE , and what social impact does it have on young people?
• Define cringe comedy and what makes it special.
• What does the internet slang word “simp” mean?
• What is a good selfie ?
• The meaning behind the “blondes are stupid” stereotype .
• What does it mean to be a “ gym rat”?
• What does it mean “to split the check”?
• What is binge-watching?
• What does it mean to be obsessed ?
• What is lactose intolerance?
• Define a trend and its social effect.

Need even more ideas? Find them in our funny topics list !

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📚 Other Definition Essay Topics

Extended Definition Essay Topics

• The meaning of sensitivity  .
• What makes a good husband ? 
• How do you define a mature person? 
• What does it mean to be a good person ? 
• What makes someone trustworthy ? 
• What does it mean to be conservative ? 
• How to know if someone is being sexist . 
• What does it take to be charismatic ? 
• How do you define a happy marriage ? 
• What makes someone a hero ?
• What is happiness for you ?
• Explain what it means to be a charismatic leader .
• What is humor ?
• How can we define laziness ?

• Describe the characteristics of true leadership .
• Determine what can be called common sense .
• What constitutes progress ?
• What does it mean to be proud ?
• How can we define loyalty ?
• Point out the implications of the word “ pessimism .”
• How do people show courage ?
• What does it mean to respect yourself?

Extended definition essays need enough room for elaborate explanation and illustration. Unlike ordinary definition papers, they are more general. Besides, they are open to discussion, counterarguments, and doubts. Because of this, abstract concepts are an excellent starting point for a paper.

Society Definition Essay Topics

• What makes a good person ?
• Explain how you understand equality .
• How can you define globalization ?
• What does the term “white privilege” signify ?
• What does “family” mean ?
• Determine the meaning of the word “ respect ” in today’s society.
• What does it mean to become an adult ?
• What is feminism ?
• When can a system be called just?
• Explain what patriarchy is.
• When is a child well-behaved?
• What do the words “masculinity” and “femininity” mean to you?
• What does the concept of the “glass ceiling” signify ?
• Determine how peer pressure manifests itself.
• How can you define the term “mansplaining”?

Definition essays on society analyze social structures and human interaction. An individual’s perspective on society stems from various influences. It includes their cultural background, age, and gender. Choose one of the following prompts, and ask your relatives or friends what they think about it. You can find some additional helpful ideas in our sociology topics list .

History Definition Essay Topics

• What can we call a revolution ?
• Define a hippie movement .
• Explain who the Suffragettes were .
• What was the Land of Punt?
• What is colonization ?
• What does independence mean for a country?
• What makes something “ historic “?
• Explain the “Lebensreform” movement of the 1920s.
• Who were the Untouchables?
• Which events designate the end of the Medieval Period ?
• Define the White movement during the Russian revolution .
• What was the Arab Spring ?
• Explain who Joan of Arc was .
• What does the term “ Antebellum South ” signify?
• What was the Pastry War?

Learning from history is integral to progress. If we understand our past failures, we can shape a better future. Writing about history grants exciting insights into various issues. There are even more essay ideas in our history topics list .

Politics Definition Essay Topics

• What does “ anarchism ” mean?
• How does the system of checks and balances work ?
• Explain what constitutes liberal ideology.
• How does democracy work?
• How can you define monarchy ?
• Determine when a regime can be called totalitarian .
• Define the meaning of the word “ politics .”
• What is McCarthyism?
• What does it take to be a political party ?
• What are the implications of the word “ democracy ”?
• Describe a society that can be called communist .
• What defines a capitalistic system?

• How do electoral systems work?
• How can you define the term “ witch hunt ”?
• What is Gerrymandering ?

Definition essays on politics explore mechanisms of governance. There are only four major types of political systems, but there are infinite ways to implement them. Additionally, you can consult our list of compelling political topics to look into .

Mass Media Definition Essay Topics

• The origin of the word “ media .”
• What does the term “ mainstream ” entail?
• What is the purpose of broadcasting ?
• Define the different types of mass media .
• What is cross-media publishing ?
• Define the term “publicity.”
• What makes a good cover story?
• Explain what television is.
• Describe different types of news articles .
• Define the word “communication.”
• How does propaganda work?
• What is gonzo journalism ?
• Come up with the definition of the word “sensationalism.”
• What does “gatekeeping” mean?
• How can you explain what “radio” is ?

Mass media is various means of communication aiming to reach as much of the public as possible. Nowadays, it is nearly inescapable, which makes it an interesting subject to investigate.

Culture Definition Essay Topics

• What does the term “ belief ” mean to you?
• What makes a culture diverse ?
• How does a culture shock feel ?
• How is the notion of “ global village” defined?
• What does “stereotype” mean ?
• What is “cultural appropriation” ?
• What topics can be called taboo ?
• Explain the notion of “ zeitgeist. ”
• What is “secularization” ?
• Define the word “ ritual. ”
• What does your culture consider traditional values ?
• What does the notion of “civilization” describe ?

• Explain what cultural techniques are.
• What is “ everyday life ”?
• What type of culture is agriculture ?

Culture encompasses abstract notions such as rituals, norms, and manners. Simply put, it has everything to do with people’s way of living. Besides, it expands into the worlds of art, religion, and law. Want some more ideas? Read our extensive list of culture essay topics .

Science and Technology Definition Essay Topics

• What are fossil fuels ?
• How does an area become polluted ?
• How can you define renewable energy sources ?
• Explain what the term “ smart technology” means.
• How does a CPU work?
• Define the word “technology.”
• What does the term “ science ” encompass?
• What defines a vegetable ?
• What is energy ?
• What characterizes digital data ?
• How does blockchain work ?
• What is weather ?
• Explain the use of cryptocurrency .
• Where did the term “ ecology ” originate?
• Define the notion of time .

Technology becomes increasingly important with each passing day. The IT sector is developing particularly fast. For more inspiration, visit our page with topics on science and technology .

Sports Definition Essay Topics

• What does it mean to be in shape?
• What were the ancient Olympics ?

• Explain the difference between American football and rugby.
• What makes a good chess player?
• When does an activity become a sport?
• Explain the word “ agility. ”
• What are the typical forms of indoor sports ?
• What is the Tough Mudder?
• Define the difference between a sport and a game .
• What does the term “ fitness ” signify?
• What does it mean to be athletic ?
• When does a sport become a niche sport?
• What is chess boxing?
• What makes a good football player ?
• What constitutes the different types of wrestling ?

Some enjoy sport as a healthy past-time activity. Others prefer to watch it on TV after a long day. With that in mind, it’s unsurprising that sport is one of the world’s biggest industries. You can find more ideas in our list of topics on sports .

Philosophy Definition Essay Topics

• How does boredom manifest itself?
• What does it mean to be beautiful ?
• How can you define the word “ freedom ”?
• What does “friendship” mean ?
• Define the word “ passion. ”
• What is devotion?
• What does the notion of “home” mean to you ?
• How can you define an aura?
• Explain the Categorical Imperative .
• What makes someone a villain ?
• Determine the meaning of the word “ justice. ”
• What does it mean to love someone or something ?
• What acts show that a person is selfish ?
• What does it mean to be human ?
• How does hatred show itself?

“I know that I know nothing.” To this day, Socrates is the prime example of a philosopher. However, philosophy is much more than a profession of ancient times. If you like pondering abstract concepts, have a look at our list of philosophy topics .

✅ Definition Essay Outline Structure & Writing Tips

Definition essay: before you start.

Step #1: Select a topic.

First of all, if your teacher has not specified a theme, you need to select a topic. It can be a subject you know well or something you care about. A bit of research prior to choosing a theme can help pinpoint potential problems. A good idea would be to use a  topic generator for writing .

Step #2: Consider the audience.

Start by creating an outline and organizing your arguments. In doing so, keep your audience in mind. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Who will read your essay?
• What do they already know about the subject?
• Are you addressing a specific group?

Identifying the audience helps to prevent under- or over-explanation. If you know who you are writing for, you know what kind of language to use.

Step #3: Choose a strategy.

Each type of academic writing has its own set of requirements. A definition paper needs to contain an explanation of a concept. Here are different strategies of explaining that you can use in an essay:

• By denotation.  Denotation explains a term through its literal meaning. You can find it in a dictionary. Example: According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, nature is “a creative and controlling force in the universe”. 
• By connotation.  Connotation deals with the implications of a word. It can be positive, negative, or neutral. Have a look at this example: even though “old” and “vintage” have the same denotation, the connotation for “vintage” is more positive. Example: My grandfather calls himself vintage, but I just think he’s old. 
• By negation.  Negation defines what the term is not. Example: Freedom is not the absence of handcuffs. 
• By analogy.  An analogy juxtaposes two things that are similar to each other. Example: Socks are like cages for the feet. 
• By enumeration.  An enumeration is a list of words that serve as an explanation. Example: A hero is someone who is genuinely selfless, helps other people, and wears a cape. 

Definition Essay Introduction

An introduction is the opening part of your essay, which sets the tone and piques the reader’s interest. In this part, you can briefly introduce the topic and develop a strong thesis statement.

• Start with a nice hook that draws attention to the subject.
• Follow it with a transition sentence that leads to the thesis.
• A good thesis statement usually gives its reader a clearly stated definition. That way, they can prepare themselves for the discussion and easily follow your paper.

Definition Essay Body

The body of your essay is a part that includes all the information you want to present to the reader. How you divide your body paragraphs and how many of them you have in your paper depends on the topic and how you choose to present it.

• Usually, the body consists of two to four paragraphs.
• Each body paragraph needs to include a topic sentence, which explains to the reader what this particular paragraph will discuss.
• Every new definition, idea, or argument should be explored in a separate paragraph. That makes your essay more cohesive and professional.

Definition Essay Conclusion

Wrap thing up with a good conclusion. This part of the essay usually summarizes most information from the body and reminds readers of the thesis.

• The summary shouldn’t be elaborate or too long. Only mention the key points.
• When you go back to the thesis statement, don’t use it in the exact same form, but rephrase the sentence while keeping the meaning.

📑 Definition Essay Example: Beauty

So we’ve mentioned all the essential points that can help you write a definition essay. Below, you will find an excellent sample you can use as reference or inspiration while working on your paper. You’re welcome to download the PDF file below:

Throughout centuries people have struggled to define the true meaning of beauty. This phenomenon has been and still is discussed in various literary works and movies. People strive to be beautiful, or they try to find beauty in their life. This essay will argue that beauty is an immense concept with aesthetical and sensual value and varies from person to person.

Definition of Beauty

We hope that this article will help you write a perfect essay! Don’t hesitate and start writing your own definition essay. If you have any questions or ideas on this topic, feel free to share them in the comment section.

• How to Write a Definition Essay: St. Cloud State University  
• Definition Essay: Excelsior College OWL  
• Vocabulary: Political Words: Scholastic  
• Science and Technology: British Council  
• NTID-Supported Athletes at RIT: Rochester Institute of Technology  
• Glossary of Philosophical Terms: Oxford University Press
• Basic World History Terms and Definitions: Quia  
• Essay Structure: Harvard University  
• The Definition Essay: Dallas Baptist University  
• How to Write an Introduction to an Essay: BBC
• Definition Essays: Reed College  
• Essay Writing Tips: Deakin University
• Essay Body Paragraphs: Massey University  
• Conclusions: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill  
• Negation: Stanford University  
• Enumeration: Literary Devices  
• “Denotation” vs. “Connotation”: What’s The Difference?: Dictionary.com  
• Before You Start Writing That Paper: University of California, Berkeley  
• Essay Planning: Outlining with a Purpose: San José State University  
• Writing an Outline for Your Essay: Carleton University  
• What Is Analogy? Definition and Examples of Analogy in Literature: MasterClass  
• Writing Your Conclusion: The University of Sydney  
• Identifying Audiences: Purdue University  
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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.

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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

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Student Opinion

310 Prompts for Argumentative Writing

Questions on everything from mental health and sports to video games and dating. Which ones inspire you to take a stand?

By Natalie Proulx

Does social media harm young people’s mental health? Do video games deserve the bad rap they often get? Should parents track their children? Who is the greatest athlete of all time?

Every school day, we publish new questions for students based on the news of the day, including prompts, like these, that inspire persuasive writing.

Below, we’ve rounded up over 300 of those argumentative prompts, organized by topic, all in one place. They cover everything from parenting and schools to music and social media. Each one, drawn from our Student Opinion column , links to a free New York Times article as well as additional subquestions that can help you think more deeply about it.

You can use these prompts however you like, whether to inspire an entry for our new Open Letter Contest , to hone your persuasive writing skills or simply to share your opinions on the issues of today. So scroll through the list below and see which ones inspire you to take a stand.

If you enjoy these questions, know that you can find all of our argumentative writing prompts, as they publish, here . Students 13 and up from anywhere in the world are invited to comment.

Argumentative Prompt Topics

Technology and social media, college, work and money, health and relationships, gender and race, arts and entertainment, parenting and childhood, government and politics, animals, science and time.

Social Media

1. Does Social Media Harm Young People’s Mental Health? 2. How Much Should Speech Be Moderated on Social Media? 3. Should the United States Ban TikTok? 4. How Young Is Too Young to Use Social Media? 5. Should Kids Be Social Media Influencers? 6. What Should Be Done to Protect Children Online? 7. Should There Be Separate Social Media Apps for Children? 8. Are You a Fan of ‘School Accounts’ on Social Media? 9. Will Social Media Help or Hurt Your College and Career Goals? 10. Is It Ever OK to Use Strangers as Content for Social Media?

Phones and Devices

11. Should More Teenagers Ditch Their Smartphones? 12. Should the Adults in Your Life Be Worried by How Much You Use Your Phone? 13. Should Phones Ever Be a Part of Family or Holiday Gatherings? 14. What Are Your Texting Dos and Don’ts? 15. Does Grammar Still Matter in the Age of Twitter? 16. Is Your Phone Love Hurting Your Relationships? 17. Should Texting While Driving Be Treated Like Drunken Driving? 18. How Young Is Too Young for an Apple Watch?

The Internet

19. Do Memes Make the Internet a Better Place? 20. How Excited Are You About the Metaverse? 21. Should Websites Force Users to Prove How Old They Are? 22. What Is the Best Way to Stop Abusive Language Online? 23. How Do You Feel About Cancel Culture? 24. Does Online Public Shaming Prevent Us From Being Able to Grow and Change? 25. Do You Think Online Conspiracy Theories Can Be Dangerous? 26. Does Technology Make Us More Alone?

School Discipline and Attendance

27. Should Schools Ban Cellphones? 28. How Should Schools Hold Students Accountable for Hurting Others? 29. What Are Your Thoughts on Uniforms and Strict Dress Codes? 30. Should Schools Test Their Students for Nicotine and Drug Use? 31. How Can Schools Engage Students Who Are at Risk of Dropping Out? 32. Should Students Be Allowed to Miss School for Mental Health Reasons? 33. Should Your School Day Start Later? 34. Should There Still Be Snow Days? 35. Do Kids Need Recess? 36. Should Students Be Punished for Not Having Lunch Money?

School Quality and Effectiveness

37. How Do You Think American Education Could Be Improved? 38. Do Schools Need to Do More to Hold Students Accountable? 39. Are Straight A’s Always a Good Thing? 40. Should Students Have the Same Teachers Year After Year? 41. Do Teachers Assign Too Much Homework? 42. Should We Get Rid of Homework? 43. Should We Eliminate Gifted and Talented Programs? 44. Is It Time to Get Rid of Timed Tests? 45. What Role Should Textbooks Play in Education? 46. How Should Senior Year in High School Be Spent? 47. Does Your School Need More Money? 48. Do School Employees Deserve More Respect — and Pay? 49. Should Public Preschool Be a Right for All Children?

Teaching and Learning

50. Do You Think We Need to Change the Way Math Is Taught? 51. Should Financial Literacy Be a Required Course in School? 52. Should Schools Teach Students Kitchen and Household Skills? 53. Do We Need Better Music Education? 54. What Are the Most Important Things Students Should Learn in School? 55. What Is the Purpose of Teaching U.S. History? 56. Do Schools Need to Do More to Support Visual Thinkers? 57. Is School a Place for Self-Expression? 58. Should Media Literacy Be a Required Course in School? 59. Can Empathy Be Taught? Should Schools Try to Help Us Feel One Another’s Pain? 60. Should Schools Teach You How to Be Happy? 61. Should All Schools Teach Cursive? 62. Should Kids Still Learn to Tell Time? 63. How Important Is Knowing a Foreign Language

Technology in School

64. How Should Schools Respond to ChatGPT? 65. Does Learning to Be a Good Writer Still Matter in the Age of A.I.? 66. Is Online Learning Effective? 67. Should Students Be Monitored When Taking Online Tests? 68. Should Schools Be Able to Discipline Students for What They Say on Social Media? 69. Can Social Media Be a Tool for Learning and Growth in Schools? 70. Should Facial Recognition Technology Be Used in Schools? 71. Is Live-Streaming Classrooms a Good Idea? 72. Should Teachers and Professors Ban Student Use of Laptops in Class? 73. Are the Web Filters at Your School Too Restrictive?

Education Politics

74. Do You Feel Your School and Teachers Welcome Both Conservative and Liberal Points of View? 75. Should Students Learn About Climate Change in School? 76. Should Teachers Provide Trigger Warnings for ‘Traumatic Content’? 77. Should Teachers Be Allowed to Wear Political Symbols? 78. What Do You Think About Efforts to Ban Books From School Libraries? 79. What Is Your Reaction to the Growing Fight Over What Young People Can Read? 80. What Do You Think About the Controversy Surrounding the New A.P. Course on African American Studies? 81. Should Schools or Employers Be Allowed to Tell People How They Should Wear Their Hair? 82. Does Prayer Have Any Place in Public Schools? 83. Should Schools Be Allowed to Censor Student Newspapers?

College Admissions

84. Should Colleges Consider Standardized Tests in Admissions? 85. Should Students Let ChatGPT Help Them Write Their College Essays? 86. What Is Your Reaction to the End of Race-Based Affirmative Action in College Admissions? 87. Are Early-Decision Programs Unfair? Should Colleges Do Away With Them? 88. Is the College Admissions Process Fair? 89. How Much Do You Think It Matters Where You Go to College? 90. Should Everyone Go to College? 91. Should College Be Free? 92. Is Student Debt Worth It? 93. Should High Schools Post Their Annual College Lists?

Campus Life

94. What Should Free Speech Look Like on Campus? 95. Should Greek Life on College Campuses Come to an End? 96. Should Universities Work to Curtail Student Drinking? 97. How Should the Problem of Sexual Assault on Campuses Be Addressed? 98. Are Lavish Amenities on College Campuses Useful or Frivolous? 99. Should ‘Despised Dissenters’ Be Allowed to Speak on College Campuses? 100. Should Emotional Support Animals Be Allowed on College Campuses?

Jobs and Careers

101. Is High School a Good Time to Train for a Career? 102. Is There Such a Thing as a ‘Useless’ College Major? 103. Should All High School Students Have Part-Time Jobs? 104. Should National Service Be Required for All Young Americans? 105. Is It OK to Use Family Connections to Get a Job?

Money and Business

106. Do You Think the American Dream Is Real? 107. Should All Young People Learn How to Invest in the Stock Market? 108. Should We All Go Cashless? 109. When Should You Tip? 110. Should We End the Practice of Tipping? 111. Are You a Crypto Optimist or Skeptic? 112. Do Celebrities and Influencers Make You Want to Buy What They’re Selling? 113. Is $1 Billion Too Much Money for Any One Person to Have? 114. Are C.E.O.s Paid Too Much? 115. Is It Immoral to Increase the Price of Goods During a Crisis? 116. What Should Stores Do With Unsold Goods? 117. Is There a ‘Right Way’ to Be a Tourist? 118. Who Should We Honor on Our Money?

Mental Health

119. Is Teen Mental Health in a State of Crisis? 120. ‘Love-Bombing.’ ‘Gaslighting.’ ‘Victim.’ Is ‘Trauma Talk’ Overused? 121. Does Achieving Success Always Include Being Happy? 122. Is Struggle Essential to Happiness? 123. Should Schools Teach Mindfulness? 124. How Can We Bring an End to the ‘Epidemic of Loneliness’? 125. Does Every Country Need a ‘Loneliness Minister’? 126. What Ideas Do You Have to Bring Your Community Closer Together? 127. Are Emotional-Support Animals a Scam? 128. Is It OK to Laugh During Dark Times?

Dating and Relationships

129. Who Should Pay for Dates? 130. Do Marriage Proposals Still Have a Place in Today’s Society? 131. Should Your Significant Other Be Your Best Friend? 132. How Do You Think Technology Affects Dating?

Physical Health

133. Should Governments Do More to Discourage People From Smoking and Vaping? 134. How Should Adults Talk to Kids About Drugs? 135. Can Laziness Be a Good Thing? 136. Should There Be Requirements for Teens Who Want to Ride E-Bikes? 137. What Advice Should Parents and Counselors Give Teenagers About Sexting? 138. Should All Children Be Vaccinated? 139. Do We Worry Too Much About Germs?

140. Is It Becoming More Acceptable for Men and Boys to Cry? 141. Is It Harder for Men and Boys to Make and Keep Friends? 142. Should Award Shows Eliminate Gendered Categories? 143. Should There Be More Gender Options on Identification Documents? 144. Justice Ginsburg Fought for Gender Equality. How Close Are We to Achieving That Goal? 145. What Should #MeToo Mean for Teenage Boys? 146. What Is Hard About Being a Boy? 147. Should There Be More Boy Dolls? 148. Is Single-Sex Education Still Useful? 149. Are Beauty Pageants Still Relevant? 150. Should Period Products Be Free? 151. What Are Your Thoughts on Last Names? 152. What Rules Should Apply to Transgender Athletes When They Compete? 153. What Is Your Reaction to the Recent Wave of Legislation That Seeks to Regulate the Lives of Transgender Youths? 154. What Do You Wish Lawmakers Knew About How Anti-L.G.B.T.Q. Legislation Affects Teenagers?

Identity, Race and Ethnicity

155. How Should Schools Respond to Racist Jokes? 156. How Should Parents Teach Their Children About Race and Racism? 157. What Is Your Reaction to Efforts to Limit Teaching on Race in Schools? 158. How Should Racial Slurs in Literature Be Handled in the Classroom? 159. Should Confederate Statues Be Removed or Remain in Place? 160. Should We Rename Schools Named for Historical Figures With Ties to Racism, Sexism or Slavery? 161. How Should We Remember the Problematic Actions of the Nation’s Founders? 162. Does the United States Owe Reparations to the Descendants of Enslaved People? 163. What Can History Teach Us About Resilience? 164. Should All Americans Receive Anti-Bias Education? 165. Is Fear of ‘The Other’ Poisoning Public Life? 166. What Stereotypical Characters Make You Cringe? 167. When Talking About Identity, How Much Do Words Matter? 168. How Useful Is It to Be Multilingual?

TV and Movies

169. Is True Crime As a Form of Entertainment Ethical? 170. Should Old TV Shows Be Brought Back? 171. Does Reality TV Deserve Its Bad Rap? 172. How Closely Should Actors’ Identities Reflect the Roles They Play? 173. In the Age of Digital Streaming, Are Movie Theaters Still Relevant? 174. Do We Need More Female Superheroes? 175. Is Hollywood Becoming More Diverse? 176. When Does Lying in Comedy Cross a Line? 177. How Do You Feel About ‘Nepotism Babies’?

Music and Video Games

178. Will A.I. Replace Pop Stars? 179. If Two Songs Sound Alike, Is It Stealing? 180. Should Musicians Be Allowed to Copy or Borrow From Other Artists? 181. How Do You Feel About Censored Music? 182. What Are the Greatest Songs of All Time? 183. Do Video Games Deserve the Bad Rap They Often Get? 184. Should There Be Limits on How Much Time Young People Spend Playing Video Games? 185. Should More Parents Play Video Games With Their Kids?

186. Are A.I.-Generated Pictures Art? 187. What Work of Art Should Your Friends Fall in Love With? 188. If Artwork Offends People, Should It Be Removed? 189. Should Museums Return Looted Artifacts to Their Countries of Origin? 190. Should Art Come With Trigger Warnings? 191. Is the Digital Era Improving or Ruining the Experience of Art? 192. Are Museums Still Important in the Digital Age? 193. Can You Separate Art From the Artist? 194. Are There Subjects That Should Be Off-Limits to Artists, or to Certain Artists in Particular? 195. Should Graffiti Be Protected?

Books and Literature

196. Is Listening to a Book Just as Good as Reading It? 197. Should Classic Children’s Books Be Updated for Today’s Young Readers? 198. Should White Writers Translate a Black Author’s Work? 199. Is There Any Benefit to Reading Books You Hate? 200. Should Libraries Get Rid of Late Fees?

201. What’s the Best — and Worst — Part of Being a Sports Fan? 202. Who Is the GOAT? 203. Do Women’s Sports Deserve More Attention? 204. What Should Be Done About the Gender Pay Gap in Sports? 205. Should Girls and Boys Sports Teams Compete in the Same League? 206. Should More Sports Be Coed? 207. College Athletes Can Now Be Paid. But Not All of Them Are Seeing Money. Is That Fair? 208. Should High School-Age Basketball Players Be Able to Get Paid? 209. Are Some Youth Sports Too Intense? 210. Are Youth Sports Too Competitive? 211. Is It Bad Sportsmanship to Run Up the Score in Youth Sports? 212. Is It Ethical to Be a Football Fan? 213. Does the N.F.L. Have a Race Problem? 214. What New Rules Would Improve Your Favorite Sport? 215. What Sports Deserve More Hype? 216. How Should We Punish Sports Cheaters? 217. Should Technology in Sports Be Limited? 218. Does Better Sports Equipment Unfairly Improve Athletic Ability? 219. Is It Offensive for Sports Teams and Their Fans to Use Native American Names, Imagery and Gestures? 220. Is It Selfish to Pursue Risky Sports Like Extreme Mountain Climbing? 221. Should Cheerleading Be an Olympic Sport?

Related Writing Prompt

222. Should Parents Ever Be Held Responsible for the Harmful Actions of Their Children? 223. Where Is the Line Between Helping a Child Become More Resilient and Pushing Them Too Hard? 224. Should Parents Give Children More Responsibility at Younger Ages? 225. Should Parents Tell Children the Truth About Santa? 226. Should Parents Weigh in on Their Kids’ Dating Lives? 227. Should Parents Track Their Children? 228. How Should Parents Support a Student Who Has Fallen Behind in School? 229. Do Parents Ever Cross a Line by Helping Too Much With Schoolwork? 230. What’s the Best Way to Discipline Children? 231. What Are Your Thoughts on ‘Snowplow Parents’? 232. Should Stay-at-Home Parents Be Paid? 233. Should Parents Bribe Their Children?

Childhood and Growing Up

234. Is It Harder to Grow Up in the 21st Century Than It Was in the Past? 235. Is Childhood Today Over-Supervised? 236. When Do You Become an Adult? 237. Who Should Decide Whether a Teenager Can Get a Tattoo or Piercing? 238. Do We Give Children Too Many Trophies? 239. What Can Older Generations Learn From Gen Z? 240. What Is the Worst Toy Ever?

Legislation and Policy

241. Should the Death Penalty Be Abolished? 242. Should Marijuana Be Legal? 243. Should the United States Decriminalize the Possession of Drugs? 244. What Is Your Reaction to the State of Abortion Rights? 245. Should the Government Cancel Student Debt? 246. Should Public Transit Be Free? 247. Should There Be More Public Restrooms? 248. Should the U.S. Be Doing More to Prevent Child Poverty? 249. Should the Government Provide a Guaranteed Income for Families With Children? 250. Should Law Enforcement Be Able to Use DNA Data From Genealogy Websites for Criminal Investigations?

Gun Violence

251. Are You Concerned About Violence in America? 252. How Should Americans Deal With the Problem of Gun Violence? 253. What Should Lawmakers Do About Guns and Gun Violence? 254. Should the U.S. Ban Military-Style Semiautomatic Weapons? 255. Should Teachers Be Armed With Guns?

Voting and Elections

256. How Much Faith Do You Have in the U.S. Political System? 257. Is the Electoral College a Problem? Does It Need to Be Fixed? 258. Does Everyone Have a Responsibility to Vote? 259. Should We All Be Able to Vote by Mail? 260. Should There Be a Minimum Voting Age? 261. Should the Voting Age Be Lowered to 16? 262. Should Ex-Felons Have the Right to Vote? 263. Are Presidential Debates Helpful to Voters? Or Should They Be Scrapped?

Freedoms and Rights

264. How Important Is Freedom of the Press? 265. Why Does the Right to Protest Matter? 266. Does the U.S. Constitution Need an Equal Rights Amendment? 267. Do You Care Who Sits on the Supreme Court? Should We Care? 268. Should You Have a Right to Be Rude? 269. Should Prisons Offer Incarcerated People Education Opportunities?

Civic Participation

270. Are You Optimistic About the State of the World? 271. If You Could Take On One Problem Facing Our World, What Would It Be? 272. If You Were Mayor, What Problems Facing Your Community Would You Tackle? 273. Do You Think Teenagers Can Make a Difference in the World? 274. Do You Think It Is Important for Teenagers to Participate in Political Activism? 275. Is Your Generation Doing Its Part to Strengthen Our Democracy? 276. How Is Your Generation Changing Politics? 277. Why Is It Important for People With Different Political Beliefs to Talk to Each Other? 278. Are We Being Bad Citizens If We Don’t Keep Up With the News? 279. Why Do Bystanders Sometimes Fail to Help When They See Someone in Danger? 280. When Is It OK to Be a Snitch? 281. Should Reporters Ever Help the People They Are Covering? 282. Should Celebrities Weigh In on Politics? 283. Should Athletes Speak Out On Social and Political Issues? 284. Should Corporations Take Political Stands? 285. What Do You Think the Role of the First Lady — or First Spouse — Should Be Today?

286. Is Animal Testing Ever Justified? 287. What Is Our Responsibility to Lab Animals? 288. What Are Your Thoughts About Hunting Animals? 289. Should We Be Concerned With Where We Get Our Pets? 290. What Do You Think of Pet Weddings? 291. Is It Wrong to Focus on Animal Welfare When Humans Are Suffering? 292. Should We Bring Back Animals From Extinction? 293. Are Zoos Immoral? 294. Do Bugs Deserve More Respect?

Environment and Science

295. What Role Should Young People Play in the Fight Against Climate Change? 296. Should We Be More Optimistic About Efforts to Combat Climate Change? 297. How Far Is Too Far in the Fight Against Climate Change? 298. Should Plastic Bags Be Banned Everywhere? 299. Is It Ethical to Create Genetically Edited Humans? 300. Should We Still Be Sending Astronauts to Space? 301. Do You Think Pluto Should Be a Planet? 302. Should We Treat Robots Like People?

Time and Seasons

303. What Is the Best Month of the Year? What Is the Worst? 304. Would Life Be Better Without Time Zones? 305. Do You Think It Is Time to Get Rid of Daylight Saving Time? 306. When Do Holiday Decorations Go From Festive to Excessive? 307. Should We Rethink Thanksgiving? 308. When Does a Halloween Costume Cross the Line? 309. Should School Be a Place to Celebrate Halloween? 310. Should the Week Be Four Days Instead of Five?

Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print.

Find more Student Opinion questions here. Teachers, check out this guide to learn how you can incorporate these prompts into your classroom.

Natalie Proulx joined The Learning Network as a staff editor in 2017 after working as an English language arts teacher and curriculum writer. More about Natalie Proulx

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Definition Essay Topics: 200 Ideas for Students

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Are you looking for some of the best definition essay topics available? If so, you are in the right place. In this blog post, we have discussed great definition paper topics that can help you complete your assignment. Continue reading to understand the meaning of definition essay topics, explore the best way to select one, and get common tips to help you write a quality essay. Our essay writing services have also provided a list of topic ideas on various subjects to guide your research and writing.

What Are Definition Essay Topics?

A definition essay is a paper that explains the meaning of an idea, word, or term. It can also be described as an intricate dictionary that not only defines a term but also provide in-depth explanation and illustrations. Definition essay topics are the primary subject matters in a definition essay. Writers expound on definitions essay topics to inform readers about concepts or explain a word or term that has an abstract meaning.  When researching topics for a definition essay, you should explore alternative interpretations from different perspectives. In other words, you can provide both official meaning and your personal interpretation with multiple examples. This type of paper, in many instances, should not be more than 250-500 words long.

Characteristics of Good Definition Essay Topics

Good definition essay topics share some unique characteristics. When selecting a subject matter, you should consider an issue that is simple to write and is interesting to readers. So, what is a good topic for a definition essay? Good definition paper topics should:

• Have multiple meanings and interpretations.
• Relate to unique word, phrase, or concept that will engage readers.
• Discuss a subject that is both interesting and informative.
• Relate to subjects that you have many different perspectives on.

How to Choose a Definition Essay Topic?

Topics you select play a key role in determining your success in writing an academic paper. Choosing definition topics can be very challenging. In many cases, instructor will provide you with a list of ideas to pick from. However, in other scenarios, you may be required to research a definition essay topic from scratch. In this section, you will find common tips to guide you in choosing paper topics. Follow the steps below to select a good definition paper topic.

• Select good words to write a definition essay on. Avoid words with single meanings.
• Pick argumentative phrases and concepts which will enable you to express your writing skills and knowledge on your preferred subject. You should be able to write more than one paragraph on your selected topics.
• Check for unique words and phrases that can engage your potential readers.
• Develop a list of all possible topics to select from.
• Choose a topic you are sure about. Select a topic that you have broad knowledge and points of view on.

It’s always a great idea to consult your professor before commencing a task. But if you need some writing inspiration, take a look below or try our Random Essay Topic Generator .

Best Definition Essay Topics List

Choosing a good topic is your first step towards writing a good academic paper. If you follow tips provided in sections above, you should be able to select some of the best definition essay topics available. Definition essay topic list below outlines great examples that you can choose from.

• How can you define fun?
• What does affirmative action mean and how is it being used in present-day society?
• What is religion?
• Define the argument concept.
• How do you define social class?
• What is artificial intelligence?
• Are centralized and decentralized governments any different?
• What is a personal understanding of power?
• What is cryptocurrency and how does it deviate from the conventional financial system?
• What is your understanding of corporate social responsibility?

Definitional Argument Essay Topics

For definition argument essay topics, you need to write about subjects that attract divergent opinions and thus, closely debated. Therefore, rather than having a topic that is straightforward and one-dimensional, definition argument topics should be argumentative in nature. Below are some examples of definitional argument topics in case you don’t know how to title an essay :

• Physical activity should be encouraged more in schools.
• Explain advantages and disadvantages of capital punishment.
• Do high school students benefit from take-away assignments?
• Abortion should be a legalized service.
• Sex education should be included in school curricula from an early age.
• Plastic surgery creates unrealistic beauty standards.
• Is working out beneficial to your mental health?
• Vaping is more dangerous compared to smoking.
• Grading should be abolished in schools.
• Genetically modified products are dangerous and should be abolished.
• Video games negatively affect children’s social development.
• Tertiary education should be free.
• Is it ethical to use animals as test subjects?
• Euthanizing animals is unethical.
• Should vaccination be made mandatory?

Extended Definition Essay Topics

Contrary to other topic categories, extended definition essay topics take up more pages. A simple elucidation will not suffice. You will need to provide elaborate explanations and illustrations for readers to better understand extended definition topics. Below are some examples of extended definition essay topic ideas that you can use:

• What does true friendship mean in modern-day society?
• What makes a good partner in marriage?
• What does misogyny and bigotry mean in the 21st century?
• What are the main characteristics of a good leader?
• Religious bigotry in Pakistan.
• What is your interpretation of a mature individual?
• What makes a person trustworthy?
• What is your definition of a happy marriage?
• What is the difference between ego and high personal standards?
• How can you define common sense?
• What is a creative mind?
• What is a healthy weight?
• Who is a patriotic citizen?
• Who is an intelligent person to you?
• What are the characteristics of a good person?

Need more ideas? Check our blog with extended essay topics and spot a catchy title.

Controversial Definition Paper Topics

Due to people’s divergent opinions, some subjects are very controversial. You risk offending a certain group of your readers when discussing controversial paper ideas. You should, therefore, pay more attention and be keener when discussing them. Below are examples of controversial topics for definition papers:

• Ethical justification of death penalty.
• Different ages of consent across different cultures.
• Is abortion the murdering of an unborn child?
• What is the meaning of gun control?
• What is social media addiction?
• What is the definition of mental disorder in modern society?
• Difference between sex and gender.
• What is a physician-assisted suicide?
• What is the modern interpretation of feminism?
• What is a juvenile correctional system in the US?
• What laws regulate immigration in America?
• What is freedom of speech in the context of modern society?
• What are the residency rights of Palestinian in Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories.
• What is considered as explicit content in 21st century society?
• What is home-schooling and its benefits?

Good Topics for a Definition Essay

To select good topics for definition essays, you need to have a perfect balance of creativity and intellect to come up with a subject that will intrigue your audience. Also, good definition essay topics should be simple to write and not complex to follow for your readers. Below is a list of some good topics:

• What does “peace of mind” mean?
• What is your perception of poverty in different social classes?
• Define different types of art.
• What is your personal understanding of love?
• What is reverse racism?
• What is global warming and how does it impact climate change?
• Difference between respect and admiration.
• What is your understanding of the term “natural beauty”?
• What is the meaning of good parenting?
• Define the concept of the rule of law.
• Define the right to privacy in the context of modern-day technology.
• What does sportsmanship mean?
• Explain peer pressure and its impact on school-going children?
• What is online shopping?
• What is the meaning of the term “gender neutral”?

Once you spot a perfect idea and realize that the deadline is approaching, remember that you can trust professionals and order an essay online at StudyCrumb .

Creative Definition Essay Topics

You need creative definition essay writing topics if you wish to capture your readers’ attention. When exploring definition topic ideas for your essay, you should ensure that it is not only informative but also intriguing. In this section, you will come across some of the most creative topic ideas that you can use to develop a good essay.

• What is love at first sight?
• What is a respectable job?
• How do you differentiate pleasure from happiness?
• What is the difference between risk-taking and stupid decisions?
• What is courage?
• How does high self-esteem differ from arrogance?
• What is the meaning of self-respect?
• Define creativity and provide different types of creative works.
• What is the meaning of a creative mind?
• What is a nuclear family and its composition?
• Define the concept of best friends.
• How can you discern self-respect from pride?
• Are religious people more moral?
• Why are the best students less successful in life compared to average students?
• How do you define dedication in a relationship?

Easy Definition Essay Topics

Complexity of definition essay topics varies depending on students’ academic level or the target reader. For example, a high school student will work on an easy topic for a definition essay compared to a college student. Below are some simple topics for a definition paper:

• What is racism?
• What does it mean to be a good student?
• What is the meaning of term “peer pressure”?
• What is the meaning of laziness?
• What is greed?
• What is the meaning of cyberbullying?
• What is classical music?
• What is the definition of charisma?
• What does it mean to become wealthy?
• What exactly is hard work?
• How do you keep power?
• How can you define the word optimism?
• What does the term “ agriculture ” mean?
• What is the meaning of indoor sports?
• What is the meaning of teamwork?

Definition Essay Ideas for Students

Sometimes, instructors may require students to write a definition essay. Good topics for definition essay should be relevant to the course content or school curriculum in general. Moreover, ideas for definition essays tend to vary depending on the academic level of students and their majors. This section outlines common definition essay topics across the high school and college levels.

Definition Essay Topics for High School

In this section, we will discuss definition essay topics that are suitable for students in grades 9-12. High school definition topics are simpler. Some definition essay topics often relate to grade-specific information. Some of the best topics are outlined below.

• Explain the meaning of trust in the context of friendship.
• What is the right age to start dating?
• Differentiate between knowledge and wisdom.
• Define the term “conspiracy theory”.
• Differentiate between marriage and cohabitation.
• Define the communism concept.
• Define consumerism in present-day society.
• Define antisemitism.
• Discern intellectual from intelligent.
• What is the meaning of positive discrimination and how can it be used for the benefit of society?
• Differentiate between nature and nurturing in the development of children.
• Meaning of avatar in the metaverse.
• What is conflict management?
• Define Murphy’s Law and how it can be applied in your life.
• Discuss the meaning of birth control.

Definition Essay Topics for College Students

Definition essay topics for college students are more advanced. Unlike at the high school level, where topics are not very complex, college students may be expected to research on topics that have multidimensional points of view. Are you finding trouble coming up with topics for definition paper? You can pick one from options provided below.

• What is the meaning of Islamophobia?
• Define the 3rd wave of feminism.
• Define gene therapy and its role in the medical field.
• What is the meaning of materialism and how does it vary in different cultures?
• Differentiate between communism and capitalism.
• How is male and female gaze used differently in cinema?
• Define virtual education.
• How have beauty standards evolved since the 20th century to the present-day?
• Define Xenophobia in American society.
• What is multiculturalism and how does it impact modern society?
• How does social media affect attractiveness standards?
• Define the concept of utilitarianism.
• What is the meaning of a marriage in 21st century society?
• Define and discuss effects of digital revolution.
• What is green energy?

In case you also need ideas for a descriptive essay , we’ve got a blog with a whole assortment of interesting topics. 

Definition Essay Prompts

Haven’t found ideas for a definition essay that intrigues you from the options above? Do not worry. There are still many prompts for a definition essay that are discussed in this section. There are many prompt options on multiple subjects to choose from. Ideas for definition essays have been filtered and categorized into various subjects to inspire your academic writing. Depending on your interests and preference, you can select the clearly sorted topics from the categories below.

Definition Essay Topics About Love

Love is a complex subject. The meaning of love and how it is illustrated varies from one person to another. At one point in your life, you must have experienced love. Love is a term that has multiple meanings and varied implications, making it a widely discussed definitional essay topics. Below are some of the popular definition ideas about love.

• What types of love do you know?
• Define various characteristics of love.
• Love between human and non-human.
• Define the term “love language”.
• Is love at first sight a true phenomenon?
• Is parental love automatic?
• Is there a difference between love and friendship?
• What is the meaning of self-love?
• Discuss true love.
• Does passion affect a person’s mental health?
• What is God’s love?
• Define same-sex love.
• The meaning of love in different cultural setups around the world.
• What is your ideal Valentine’s Day date?
• Define the term “soul mate”.

Family Definition Topics

Family is another multidimensional subject that has a wide spectrum of meanings. You can approach the issue from different angles, including family values, members of a family, and other related aspects. Definition paper topics about family should be written in a manner that will make it feel personal to attain optimum reaction from readers. Below is a list of ideas for a definition essay.

• What is the structure of a 21st century family?
• Effect of teenage pregnancy on families.
• Explain child marriage.
• How does the concept of family vary across different cultures around the world?
• What is the meaning of a nuclear family in present-day society?
• Differentiate between an immediate and a chosen family.
• How does the increased rate of divorce affect families?
• Compare the traditional understanding of family to the modern meaning.
• Define family values in today’s society.
• How has the internet and technology affected the institution of family?
• Differentiate joint families from private families.
• How does foster families impact child development?
• Define the primary role of a family in your life.
• Define the elements of a strong family.
• How do financial problems affect the stability of families?

Friendship Definition Essay Prompt Ideas

Friendship is another subject that is very close to many people’s hearts. Most of us have at least one person we call a friend. Relationship dynamics between different friends vary. It is understandable for people to have diverse opinions and strong feelings about the subject. As a result, there are many definition essay prompts on friendship for you to choose from. Some of the definition papers topics include:

• Explain the meaning of a true friendship.
• How much commitment does true friendship need?
• Discuss the concept of “friends with benefit”.
• Can you discern friendship from love?
• Are friends closer to you than family?
• What are the impacts of friends on your personality?
• Differentiate between online friends and physical friends.
• Define the concept of “best friends forever”.
• Is a dog a man’s best friend?
• How can you elaborate “friendship zone”?
• Define a platonic relationship.
• Can family members be friends?
• What is the ultimate test of true friendship?
• Can you have more than one best friend?
• What is your understanding of the phrase “loyal friend”?

Hero Definition Essay Topics

A person’s idea of heroes and their qualities varies from one time to another. Besides, there is no universal standard for categorizing individuals as heroes. You can easily come up with many hero definition topic ideas due to these divergent opinions. Examples of definitive essay topics on this subject include:

• Who is a hero?
• Explain visual presentation of heroes in the past versus present-day society.
• What are some characteristics of a hero?
• Discuss the stereotyping of heroes in Hollywood.
• Are heroes supposed to perform heroic actions?
• Origin of super human abilities as a stereotypical characteristic of a hero.
• Mythological versus modern-day heroes.
• Differentiate between role models and heroes.
• How can heroes inspire you?
• Define different types of heroes.
• Define the term “anti-hero”.
• What is a hero in real life?
• Explain how the concept of hero varies from one culture to another.
• Is possessing superpowers a mandatory requirement to be a hero?
• Define heroes as portrayed in Ancient Greek mythology.

Definition Essay Topics by Subject

Ideas for definition essays can fall into different categories depending on intention or the nature of the paper. We have grouped topics for a definition essay into six categories to simplify the process of selecting your preferred topic. Rather than looking through all definition topics, you can easily focus on the subject that aligns to your academic writing interests.

Business Definition Essay Topics

Below are good topics for a definition essay related to business:

• Define economic depression.
• What is the meaning of e-commerce?
• What is social media marketing?
• Define the term “start-up”.
• What is the meaning of acquisition, merger?
• Define international trade.
• What is corporate social responsibility?
• What is a business?
• Important roles of statistics in business.
• What does small and mid-size enterprise mean?

Definition Essay Topics on History

Learning about history is pivotal in ensuring that you are prepared for future events. Some of the best definition essay ideas include:

• What is history?
• Define the abolitionist movement.
• What is the American Civil War?
• Define the Arab Spring.
• What is independence?
• What is colonization?
• What was the Civil Rights Movement?
• What is a war?
• Discuss the Vietnam War.
• Define the concept of revolution.

Politics Definition Essay Topics

There are many different political systems in the world. In addition, political leaders have diverse political ideologies. As a result, people approach political science topics from different points of view. Commonly discussed topics for a definition essay include:

• What is democracy?
• Define federal versus state government.
• What is a monarchy?
• Define anarchism.
• Define the term “whistleblowing”.
• What does the term “witch hunt” mean?
• Define the Fifth Amendment and efforts to enact it.
• What is a totalitarian regime?
• What is a political party?
• What is a trade union?

Philosophy Definition Essay Topics

Philosophers in the past have been credited for the development of present-day society, government, and the education system. As a result, many philosophical things have been discussed over the years. Below is a list of some common definition topic ideas:

• Define devotion.
• What is utilitarianism?
• What is freedom?
• Define humanity.
• How do you define justice?
• Define beauty.
• Define conflict of interest.
• How can you explain the term “aura”?
• Retribution versus rehabilitation.
• Define consciousness.

Definition Essay Topics on Psychology

The study and practice of psychological concepts have increased significantly in the recent past. Below is a list of good definition essay topics related to the subject in case you are also interested:

• Define attachment theory.
• What does absolute threshold mean?
• Explain the placebo effect?
• What is a mental disorder?
• Define avoidance learning.
• What is a conditional reflex?
• Define PTSD.
• What is emotional intelligence?
• Is gender dysphoria a mental disorder?
• Define depression.

Technology & Science Definition Essay Topics

With advancements in technology, many people have increased interest in technology and science. The list below outlines definition essay topics that you can use for your paper. Check these ideas or browse these technology research topics if you need more suggestions.

• What is clean energy?
• Define fossil fuel.
• Explain the term “augmented intelligence”.
• Define identity theft.
• Define virtual assistance software.
• Define right to privacy in the current digital era.
• What does the technological term “cookies” mean?
• What is cloud computing?
• What is technology?
• Define targeted marketing.

Liked the ideas? We have more blogs dedicated to different title ideas such as expository essay topics , analysis essay topics , satirical essy topics etc. Browse through our articles to find a fitting topic for any assignment.

Bottom Line on Definition Essay Topics

In sum, a definition essay is a common type of an academic paper that requires you to define a word, term, or concept. As a student, you should be able to select good topics for a definition paper. This article provides you with excellent tips to help you in the process of identifying great definition essay topic ideas. In addition, the blog post has many examples of definition essay ideas on various subjects to simplify the writing process for you. This post should increase your chances of success in writing a definition paper.

Our academic writers are the ones you need to look up. Our professionals always deliver high-quality papers on time. Feel free to choose one of the topic ideas and contact StudyCrumb to get your essay done in no time!

FAQ About Definition Paper Topics

1. what are some good definition speech topics.

Not all definition essay topics are suitable for public speech. You should choose a topic that will capture the attention of your audience. Popular definition speech ideas include:

• What is the meaning of discipline?
• What is the modern-day standard of success?
• What are the benefits of electric vehicles?
• What is the value of time?

3. What are some great definition essay topic ideas?

This list outlines some great topic for definition essay that you can use for your definition paper.

• What is industrialization and how does it affect today’s society?
• What is grief?
• What does liberalism mean as a political movement?
• Define religion and its role in society.
• Discuss roles of religion in promoting radicalization.

2. What are popular argumentative definition essay topics?

Good definitional argument topics ideas are characterized by divergent opinions. Example of these topics include:

• Define pro-life versus pro-choice.
• Define same-sex marriage?
• Define patriotism in the context of American society.
• Define overpopulation and its danger to earth’s ecosystem.
• Define economic disparity across different ethnicities.

Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.

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Definition Essay

Definition Essay Topics

Interesting Definition Essay Topics for Students

29 min read

Published on: Mar 22, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024

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Definition Essay - Writing Guide, Examples and Tips

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Are you looking for an interesting way to explore and explain the meaning of words and phrases? If so, a definition essay may be just the type of writing assignment that you need!

In this essay, you will delve deep into the dictionary to find out what your chosen topic truly means. By considering all aspects of the definition, you can craft an insightful, informative, and creative paper.

To get you started, here is a list of 200 definition essay topics to provide plenty of inspiration!

Continue reading to choose the best option for your essay.

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Definition Essay - Overview

A definition essay is written for a specific purpose. This type of essay has a similar structure to other essays, but it is written to define a term or concept.

The main purpose of the definition essay is to explain a word, phrase, or complex to the reader. To do this, you must study and analyze the concept.

When writing a definition essay, the most important step is choosing a good topic. Topics can be very different, but it is best to choose a topic that allows for creativity and research.

What is the Purpose of a Definition Essay?

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

In this type of essay, the writer must research a topic thoroughly to provide an accurate definition and analysis.

How to Choose a Definition Essay Topic?

The first element that contributes to the overall success of your essay is its topic. The topic is the first thing that a reader comes across and analyzes whether to read the document or not.

It may sound simple, but choosing the right topic for your essay can be extremely challenging. Deciding what to select that the audience will be interested in knowing is a tricky job.

The process of selecting the topic for your definition essay is as challenging as the essay’s writing procedure. It is both time-consuming and requires a writer to have strong analyzing skills.

If you have no clue how to come up with an engaging topic, follow the steps provided below:

• Choose a word that is not too simple and has multiple interpretations.
• You should have your perspective on the term.
• Identify the targetted audience. 
• Come up with an interesting topic.
• Make sure that the topic is unique and engaging for the audience.

The definition essay topic can be of any sort. Just keep in mind to pick something fascinating.

Good Definition Essay Topics

If the topic chosen is strong and reflects your passion, it will be easier for you to gather information.

Often students find themselves with writer’s block and can not come up with a good topic. If you are in such a position, the list prepared by the expert writers of CollegeEssay.org will help you decide on the paper topic.

Definition Essay Topics for High School

High school students often need to explore the concept of definition in order to better understand the world around them. these topics will help you begin that process:.

• Importance of having self-respect
• How does a high school student become more responsible in life?
• How can a high school student become more creative in his writing?
• What is kindness?
• How personality contributes to a successful career?
• What is charisma, and how important it is for being successful? 
• What is the meaning of independence to a country?
• The difference between communism and capitalism 
• The meaning and origin of terrorism
• What is the industrial revolution? 

These topics will provide the perfect opportunity to explore the concept of definition and help you create an engaging essay. Writing about these ideas can also stimulate your creativity, as well as encourage critical thinking.

Definition Essay Topics for College Students

College essays often require students to go deeper into the concept of definition. Here are some creative  topics that can help you begin your college essay:

• What is good mental health?  Discuss its characteristics .
• Inhumane things in our life
• The meaning of the word phase in the context of heterogeneous and homogeneous mixtures. 
• What is an essay outline?
• What is hatred?
• Understanding the relationship between demand and supply
• Causes and effects of inflation
• Marketing advertising strategies and tools
• Artificial intelligence 
• Cons of e-learning

These topics are interesting and engaging, allowing you to explore ideas in a new way. Writing about them can open up new perspectives and help you to create an essay that stands out.

See this example definition essay on happiness . It provides a valuable starting point for reflection and discussion.

Creative Definition Essay Topics

Creativity is an important part of both writing and life in general. Choosing creative topics can allow you to explore new ideas and express your thoughts in unique ways. These ideas can help you create an interesting and engaging essay:

• How can globalization be described?
• Traits of a good person
• What is the definition of the term “white privilege”?
• What does it mean to become a parent?
• Characteristics of the “just” system
• Define what anarchy is.
• What does the word “femininity” mean to you?
• What is peer pressure, and how do people get influenced by it?
• What is a hippie movement?
• How to understand colonization?

The above topics will allow you to explore the creative process and the importance of creativity in everyday life. Writing about them can help to inspire new ideas and look at familiar topics in a different way.

Definition Essay Topics About Friendship

Friendship is an important part of life, and it can be a powerful source of support and connection. These topics will help you explore the meaning and importance of friendship: 

• What is the meaning of friendship to you?
• Who is a genuine friend to you?
• The role of friends in your life
• The role of friends in one’s personality
• Art and friendships
• How do animals make better friends?
• What does it mean to be friends with a narcissist?
• Are friendship and love similar? 
• My best friend
• Qualities that make you a good friend

By exploring these topics, you can uncover the hidden meanings and lessons that friendship provides. Writing about them can help to deepen your understanding of how important it is.

Easy Definition Essay Topics for Students

Easy topics can still be interesting, and they are often simpler to write about than complex ones. These ideas are ideal for students who need to write an essay quickly: 

• How to love yourself?
• Love of God
• Does love for money make you selfish?
• Love and friendship
• Describe school and college 
• Abstract concepts
• Significance of body paragraphs in an essay
• What is cheating, and what is its impact on a relationship? 
• Can a person forgive and forget their personal experience?
• Importance of voting. Should all citizens vote? 

These topics will allow you to explore your understanding of various concepts and ideas.

Definition Essay Topics about Science and Technology

Science and Technology is an ever-growing field and often a source of inspiration for new essay topics.

These interesting ideas to explore when writing a definition essay about science and technology:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Data Science
• Quantum Computing
• Virtual Reality (VR)
• Space Exploration
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• 3D Printing
• Biotechnology
• Nanotechnology

These are just a few examples that could be used as starting points for creating engaging and informative definition essays.

Top Definition Essay Topics about Love

Love is a complex emotion that can have different meanings depending on the person. It can be enlightening and help to express your feelings.

These ideas are great starting points for exploring this subject in an essay:

• What does it mean to love someone?
• What does it mean to love something?
• Define the feeling of love
• Love vs. hatred
• The love of parents
• Love and other emotions that can dominate people
• Why is love the most powerful feeling in the world?
• Loving your pets
• Love of grandparents 
• The consequences of passionate love 

These topics will help to explore the complexity of love and its many facets.

Definition Essay Topics on Society

The world is full of injustice, discrimination, and inequality. When writing a definition essay on these topics, consider how they are often used to define our society and its values.

Here are some ideas to explore:

• Gender Roles
• Social Class
• Education System
• Political Activism
• Cultural Identity
• Discrimination
• Gay Marriage

These topics offer a great opportunity to explain important concepts and discuss issues of social justice. Writing about them can be an eye-opening experience for both the author and the readers.

Definition Essay Topics on Family and Happiness

Family and happiness are two of the most important things in life. It can help to illustrate their true importance, as well as how they are intertwined.

Check these amazing ideas for topics related to these concepts:

• Family Values
• The Meaning of Love
• Parenting Styles
• Supportive Relationships
• The Pursuit of Happiness
• Positive Thinking
• Finding Inner Peace

These topics can be quite complex to write about, as they often require thoughtful consideration of personal values. However, they can also provide an opportunity for self-reflection and growth.

Definition Essay Topics about History

History is full of lessons and important moments that should never be forgotten. Exploring them through writing can help to bring them into the present day.

These topics offer a great starting point for exploring the past:

• Civil Rights
• Immigration
• The Industrial Revolution
• The Great Depression
• World War II
• The Cold War
• Globalization
• The Fall of Communism
• The Rise of Democracy
• The War on Terror

These topics are great for understanding how civilizations have evolved over time. It can provide valuable insights into our world today. Writing about them can help to remind us of the importance of history in our lives.

Random Definition Essay Topics

Sometimes, it’s difficult to come up with interesting topics for an essay. If you’re stuck and don’t know what to write about, why not choose a random topic?

Here are some ideas:

• The Meaning of Success
• Time Management
• The Nature of Emotions
• Friendship in the Digital Age
• The Power of Social Media
• The Psychology of Dreams
• The Role of Religion in Society
• Exploring Cultural Differences
• Exploring the Unknown
• Finding Motivation in Life

These topics can be both fun and thought-provoking, offering a great opportunity to explore different ideas. Writing about them can help to broaden your perspective and inspire new ideas.

Great Definition Essay Topics on Sports

Sports is a popular topic for definition essays. It covers both the physical and mental aspects of the game.

These topics will help to get you started:

• The Psychology of Winning
• Teamwork and Leadership
• Sports Injuries
• Health Benefits of Sports
• Coaching Styles
• Mental Toughness
• Competing for Gold
• Olympic Dreams
• Fantasy Sports Leagues
• Leadership in Sports

The essay topics will allow you to explore the history and development of sports over time.

Definition Essay Topics on Mass Media 

Mass media plays an important role in modern society and can shape public opinion. Exploring these topics can be a great way to understand the power of media and the ways it influences our lives.

Get creative with these brilliant ideas:

• The Rise of Social Media
• Exploring Censorship
• The Role of News in Society
• Political Influence Through Media
• The Power of Advertising
• Exploring Reality vs. Perception
• The Impact of Technology on Media
• Fake News and Misinformation
• The Influence of Pop Culture
• Creating Engaging Content

Choose any of the above topics and explore how mass media affects society in a variety of ways.

Definition Essay Topics on Politics

Politics is a complex and often controversial topic, which makes it a great choice for definition essays.

Get your inspiration flowing with these out-of-the-box concepts:

• The Role of Government
• Exploring Political Ideologies
• The Origins of Anarchism
• The Power of Voting
• The Impact of Social Movements
• Political Activism and Protesting
• Exploring the Influence of Money on Politics
• Election Campaigns and Strategies
• The Role of Media in Politics
• Globalization and Its Impact on Politics

Pick any one of these topics to explore how politics shapes our lives in a variety of ways.

Definition Essay Topics on Philosophy

Philosophy is a great topic to discuss. It can cover a wide range of topics from the meaning of life to morality and ethics. Writing about this subject can be both interesting and thought-provoking.

These are some brilliant ideas to get you started:

• Exploring Different Religious Beliefs
• The Meaning of Life
• The Role of Ethics in Society
• Examining the Nature of Truth
• Exploring Different Philosophical Schools
• The Power of Reason and Logic
• The Impact of Philosophy on Education
• Exploring Morality and Its Consequences
• Discussing the Principles of Freedom

To explore different philosophical views and their impact, choose any one of these topics and write an engaging essay.

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Definition Argument Essay Topics

Argumentative essays require you to pick a side of an argument and defend it. These topics will help you explore the definition of arguments and develop strong writing skills.

• Pros and cons of using the internet in schools
• What does it mean to have two sides to the picture?
• Importance of the death penalty 
• Causes and effects of alcoholism
• Why do people do drugs, and how do they get influenced?
• What do pro-choice and pro-life stand for?
• Causes and Effects of Global Warming
• What is cloning? Is it ethical?
• What is patriotism?  
• Racial segregation 

These topics will help you understand the dynamics of arguments and how to form your own opinion on a certain subject.

Extended Definition Essay Topics 

Extended definition essays allow you to expand on a concept or idea. These topics will give you the opportunity to explore various definitions, as well as think outside of the box:

• What is a healthy weight?
• What is a balanced diet?
• Measures of punishment parents should take 
• Differences between self-development and self-management. 
• How does the FBI violate the basic rights of the citizens?
• How badly do coaches influence the performance of a player?
• Define the term frenemy 
• Characteristics that make a person selfish
• How to cope with laziness?
• Is bravery the same as courage?

You can also use these topics to explore the creative writing process by crafting your own unique definition of a topic.

Funny Definition Essay Topics

Writing about humorous topics can allow you to explore the lighter side of life. These ideas can help you create an essay that is sure to get a laugh:

• What are dreams? Do animals also dream?
• Is the customer always right?
• How to get fewer photographs?
• Should successful business people help those who are new in business?
• Define the best holiday
• What is fun for you?
• Is money a source of happiness
• What is contemporary art to you? 
• Why do we not feel that the earth is moving?
• Is watching tv a way to relax?

These topics will bring a smile to your reader's faces and make them think about the lighter side of life. 

Controversial Definition Essay Topics 

Controversial topics can help stimulate the discussion, as well as make your essay stand out. These ideas should be used to explore controversial notions and discuss different opinions on a certain topic:

• What is a thesis statement? 
• What is multiculturalism?
• Who is a hero?
• What is Feminism? 
• What is being lazy? Is it a good trait? 
• Smartphones Vs. traditional cellular phones 
• Gothic romanticism 
• How can bravery be defined?
• What is passion?
• What is cultural diversity?

These topics will help you explore controversial notions, as well as think critically about the issues surrounding them. Writing on these topics can be an interesting and thought-provoking experience. 

Abstract Definition Essay Topics

Abstract definition essay topics help to explore concepts that are too abstract for a traditional definition essay.

These topics will allow you to think outside the box and go beyond conventional ideas:

• What is wisdom, and how is it different from knowledge?
• What is trust, and how to win it?
• Does honesty mean always telling the truth?
• How can generosity be defined? 
• How can poverty be eradicated?
• Are Europeans civilized? 
• How are sweets better than fruits?
• Is it possible for humans to live without the internet?
• How to quit drinking? 
• How will you define the term freedom?

The abstract definition essay topics discussed will help you explore complex concepts and go beyond surface-level definitions. 

Definition Essay Structure

When it comes to writing a definition essay, there is a standard structure that you must follow.

The main steps for writing a definition essay are:

• Introduction - Introduce your topic and provide brief background information
• Definition – Give the definition of the term
• Body Paragraphs – Support your definition with examples
• Conclusion – Summarize your essay and restate the definition

By following this simple structure, you can write an effective definition essay that will engage your reader.

Steps to Write Definition Essay

To write a great definition essay, you should follow these steps:

• Select a Term – Choose the term that you want to define. Make sure it is complex enough for an in-depth discussion.
• Research Your Topic – Gather information from reliable resources such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, or even interviews with experts.
• Structure Your Essay – Create an outline for your essay to ensure it has a logical flow. Check all necessary parts are included.
• Write Your Introduction – Introduce the term you will be defining and provide brief background information on the subject.
• Give the Definition – Provide a clear and concise definition of the term.
• Support Your Definition – Use examples and evidence to support your definition.
• Write a Conclusion – Summarize your essay and restate the definition.

By following these steps, you can write an effective definition essay that will provide readers with a clear understanding.

Need help with definition essay outline ? Our blog is here to provide some insight and guidance!

Tips on How to Write a Definition Essay?

Writing a definition essay can be tricky, but here are some tips to help you get started:

• Choose a concept first: Start by selecting the word that you want to define and use it throughout your essay.
• Do proper research: Research on the chosen word in order to have a full understanding of its meaning and different interpretations. Use reliable sources such as dictionaries, research papers and published articles.
• Create an outline: Map out the structure of your essay by organizing your ideas in an outline. This will help you determine what points to include in your paper and where to place them for maximum effect.
• Introduce the term: At the beginning of your essay, provide a clear and concise definition of the term. This should be followed by a brief explanation of your points in relation to the word or concept.
• Support your claims: Include evidence from credible sources to back up the claims.
• Conclude with a summary: Provide a clear and concise summary of your essay. This should include a restatement of the term and its definition.
• Proofread and edit: Ensure that your essay is free from any errors by proofreading and editing it before submitting it. This will help to improve the quality of your writing and make for a more enjoyable reading experience.

Following these tips can help you write an effective definition essay. It provides meaningful insights into its various interpretations.

To wrap it all,

Writing a definition essay or all other essays in academic life is essential. If you wish to achieve good grades, make sure your essays are high-quality , well-drafted, and structured.

If you doubt y our writing skills and have no clue where to start, get professional help. At CollegeEssay.org, our qualified subject experts offer the best definition essay writing service , providing 100% customized essays written from scratch.

Simply contact our custom essay service  and place your order at the most affordable prices.

Plus, if you need a quick idea for a definition essay on a specific topic, you can try out out AI essay writer . Input your topic and requirements and let it generate a complete essay for you.

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.

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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.

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