Other
Fu Jen University: Metaphysical Poetry
This article by Dr. Marguerite Connor focuses on metaphysical poetry and the metaphysical poets. It includes a definition, the characteristics, a discussion of metaphycial poets and poetry, Neo-Platonism, platonic love, and T.S. Eliot's...
Exploring Ancient World Cultures
Exploring Ancient World Cultures: Mithraism
University of Evansville provides an article written by Alison Griffith that defines Mithraism. Though it does not relate any startling information, it is a wonderful site for those searching for a clear definition of Mithraism. Fairly...
British Library
British Library: Virtual Reference Library
This site provides links to several on-line dictionaries. Students may desire to consult a few dictionary definitions of their focus term prior to beginning a definition essay.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: The Tech: Cnn Foils Prior Restraint
An essay by a freshman at MIT gives a definition and examples of "Prior Restraint." The Tech is the MIT school newspaper. (Published Dec. 7, 1990)
Other
What Is a Short Story?
An essay that attempts to answer that question. The author is an author and teacher, and is understandably troubled with the idea of defining exactly what a "short story" is.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Multi Media Hero Analysis
Using what they learn about how heroes are depicted in art, literature, and music, students create their own definition of a hero, and then write an essay based on a hero they wish to research.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: A Gift for Mom and Dad
Following a reading of O. Henry's "Gift of the Magi," students write an expository essay based on the connotative definition of "gift." The essay is then presented as a holiday gift. The activity can be adapted to a variety of occasions...
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: Quest for the American Dream in "Raisin"
This unique online lesson explores the term "The American Dream," and applies it to Hansberry's play "A Raisin in the Sun." Students define what they believe is "The American Dream," and then modify that belief based on a thorough study...
Other
Are We a Democracy or a Republic?
An essay on the present political state in America contending the country is leaning further towards a republican form of government instead of a democracy. Defines and explains the major differences between democracy and republicanism...
Quizlet
Quizlet: Claim, Evidence and Reasoning Learn
In this activity, students will type an informational report term. When given a definition or an example, students will practice identifying the following terms: evidence, claim, qualitative evidence, quantitative evidence, and...
Texas Education Agency
Texas Gateway: Literary Text: Irony, Sarcasm, and Paradox
[Accessible by TX Educators. Free Registration/Login Required] In this lesson, you will learn to evaluate the role of irony, paradox, and sarcasm in literary nonfiction such as speeches and essays. Take a look at the chart; it contains...
Other
Using English: Academic Word List
Word lists by letter of advanced vocabulary with links to definitions and other related information. Useful for essay writing or test preparation.
Quizlet
Quizlet: Flashcards 8th Grade Evidence/inference
This set of interactive flashcards focuses on terms having to do with evidence and inference-related definitions. These terms include the following: evidence, analysis, inferences, explicit, and imply.
Blackdog Media
Classic Reader: "Why I Am Not a Christian" by Bertrand Russell
The essay "Why I am not a Christian" was originally a speech given by Bertrand Russell in 1927. He explains his definition of Christianity and explains why he doubts the existence of Jesus. Read the full text on this site.
SUNY Empire State College
Empire State College: Thesis and Shaping Information
This tutorial on writing essays contains several sections pertaining to the thesis. These include thesis definition, characteristics, analysis of thesis to gather and shape information, and topic sentences. Many examples given. W.9-10.2...
National Humanities Center
National Humanities Center: Toolbox Library: The Heroic Couplet: Its Rhyme and Reason
Lengthy academic essay that argues that traditional poetry, including the heroic couplet, is still relevant in the modern world. While this is discussed, the history of the heroic couplet is provided. A good definition of the term with...
Other
English Companion: Reading Expository Text
Taken from "Reading Reminders: Tools, Tips, and Techmiques," the information on this website provides advice on how to read, understand, analyze, and write expository texts.