essay objective definition

What is Objective Writing? Why Neutral Language Matters

What is objective writing? Master the skill of delivering unbiased information effectively with proven techniques and examples.

In today’s world, the way we present ideas and data can shape opinions, influence decisions, and impact the world around us. One of the most important principles of communication is objectivity. Objective writing is writing that presents information in a neutral and unbiased way. This means avoiding personal opinions, beliefs, or biases. It also means avoiding using emotional language or making subjective statements. Objective writing is typically clearer and easier to understand than subjective writing. It is also seen as more credible and trustworthy. This is because readers know that the writer is not trying to persuade them or influence their opinions.

Related article: Mastering Critical Reading: Uncover The Art Of Analyzing Texts

In a world where there is so much information available, it is more important than ever to be able to distinguish between objective and subjective writing. Objective writing is essential for fostering critical thinking and making informed decisions. This article will explore the importance of objective writing and its role in communication. We will look at how objective writing can be used to foster credibility, deliver accurate information, and promote critical thinking.

What Is Objective Writing?

Objective writing is a style of writing that presents information in a neutral and unbiased manner, without expressing personal opinions, emotions, or beliefs. The primary goal of objective writing is to provide facts, evidence, and logical reasoning to inform the reader without trying to persuade or influence their opinion.

About the question “What is objective writing?”, the author, in this kind of writing, strives to eliminate any potential bias, avoid making value judgments, and maintain a professional and impartial tone. This type of writing is commonly used in news reporting, scientific research papers, academic essays , and other forms of non-fiction writing.

Benefits Of Writing Objectively

Clarity and Understanding: Objective writing presents information in a clear and unbiased manner, allowing readers to conceive the facts without being influenced by the writer’s personal opinions or emotions. This promotes a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Credibility and Trustworthiness: Objective writing enhances the credibility of the writer and the content. When information is presented without bias, readers are more likely to trust the accuracy and reliability of the material.

Unbiased Evaluation: Objectivity enables fair evaluation of different viewpoints, arguments, and evidence. It allows readers to form their own opinions based on the presented facts, rather than being persuaded by the writer’s subjective views.

Professionalism in Academic and Formal Writing: In academic and formal settings, objective writing is expected as it upholds the standards of professionalism and integrity in research, essays, and reports.

Conflict Resolution: Objective writing is particularly valuable in discussions and debates, as it helps to reduce conflicts by focusing on facts rather than personal feelings or biases.

Avoiding Stereotypes and Prejudices: Writing objectively helps to avoid reinforcing stereotypes and prejudices, promoting a more inclusive and open-minded perspective.

Enhanced Critical Thinking: By analyzing information objectively, writers and readers can engage in deeper critical thinking, questioning assumptions, and considering alternative viewpoints.

Appropriate in Scientific and Technical Fields: In scientific and technical writing, objectivity is essential to maintain the accuracy and validity of research findings and technical information.

Global Audience Accessibility: Objective writing is more accessible to a diverse global audience, as it transcends cultural and individual differences, making the content relevant to a broader readership.

Ethical Reporting: Journalists and reporters strive for objectivity in their news reporting to provide unbiased and truthful information to the public, upholding ethical standards in journalism.

Overall, writing objectively fosters transparency, fairness, and respect for differing perspectives, contributing to more informed, trustworthy, and inclusive communication.

Subjectivity Writing

Subjectivity and objectivity are two fundamental aspects of writing that influence how information is presented and perceived. Subjectivity refers to the presence of personal opinions, feelings, and biases in writing. It involves the writer’s perspective, emotions, and interpretations, which can impact how they convey information to the reader.

What Is Subjective Writing?

Subjective writing is a style of writing where the author expresses their personal opinions, emotions, and viewpoints on a particular subject. In subjective writing, the author’s feelings, beliefs, and individual experiences play a significant role in shaping the content. This type of writing often uses first-person pronouns, such as “I” or “we,” and employs emotional language to convey the author’s thoughts and emotions.

Subjective writing is prevalent in creative writing, personal essays, memoirs, and certain types of journalistic pieces, such as opinion columns or editorials. It allows writers to connect with the reader on a more personal level, sharing their unique perspectives and inviting the audience to empathize with their point of view.

The Difference Between Objective And Subjective Writing

It’s essential to recognize that both objective and subjective writing have their place in various contexts. Objective writing provides factual information and encourages critical thinking, while subjective writing allows for self-expression and emotional engagement. The choice between the two depends on the writer’s intentions, the subject matter, and the target audience.

Understanding the difference between objective and subjective writing enables writers to choose the appropriate style based on their intended purpose and the expectations of their audience. It also empowers readers to identify when they are encountering subjective content and approach it with a discerning mindset, acknowledging the presence of the author’s perspective.

Elements Of Objective Writing

Objective writing is characterized by its neutral and unbiased approach to presenting information. Writers strive to eliminate personal biases and emotions, focusing on factual accuracy and logical reasoning. Several key elements contribute to achieving objectivity in writing:

Avoiding Personal Pronouns

Objective writing minimizes the use of personal pronouns like “I,” “we,” or “you.” By avoiding these pronouns, the writer maintains a level of distance between themselves and the content, making it less likely for their personal opinions or biases to influence the information presented. Instead of writing, “I believe that,” or “In my opinion,” the objective writer would present the information without explicitly inserting themselves into the narrative. For example, “According to research,” or “Studies indicate that.”

Focusing On Facts, Not Emotions Or Opinions

Objective writing prioritizes the presentation of verifiable facts, evidence, and data over personal emotions or opinions. The writer should refrain from using emotionally charged language or expressing their feelings about the subject matter. Instead, they rely on evidence-based information to support their claims. When presenting an argument or discussing a topic, the focus is on logical reasoning and empirical support rather than emotional persuasion.

Using An Active Voice And Ergative Verbs

The active voice is preferred in objective writing because it clearly identifies the subject and the action they are performing. This contributes to clarity and directness in the writing. In contrast, the passive voice can sometimes be used to obscure responsibility or agency, potentially leading to less objective writing. Ergative verbs, which don’t require an object to complete their meaning, can also help make sentences more concise and focused.

Example (Active Voice): “The committee made the decision.” Example (Passive Voice): “The decision was made by the committee.”

Referencing Sources For Evidence And Support

Objective writing relies heavily on evidence and support from reputable sources. By referencing and citing authoritative works, research studies, experts, and reliable data, the writer reinforces the credibility of their writing. These citations also allow readers to verify the information independently, adding transparency and accountability to the content.

Maintaining A Neutral Tone In The Writing

A neutral tone is crucial in objective writing. The language used should be professional, impartial, and devoid of emotional bias. The writer should avoid overly positive or negative language that could sway the reader’s perception. Instead, the content should present information objectively, allowing the readers to draw their conclusions based on the facts and evidence provided.

Example (Neutral Tone): “The study findings suggest a correlation between X and Y, according to the researchers’ analysis.”

Common Examples Of Objective Writing

Objective writing fosters transparency, credibility, and the dissemination of reliable information across various domains, contributing to an informed and knowledgeable society. This type of writing has distinct purposes: ensuring clear communication in instruction manuals, providing unbiased information in news reporting, and maintaining scientific rigor in natural science reports. 

Instruction Manual

Instruction manuals are a classic example of objective writing. These documents provide step-by-step guidance on how to use a product or perform a specific task. Objective writing in instruction manuals focuses on clarity, precision, and neutrality. It avoids subjective language and personal opinions, instead using concise and straightforward language to ensure readers can follow the instructions accurately. The emphasis is on providing clear directions and information, leaving no room for ambiguity or misinterpretation.

Example (Objective Writing in an Instruction Manual): “Insert the round end of the cable into the designated port until you hear a click.”

News Reporting

News reporting is one of the primary domains where objective writing is crucial. Journalists aim to present news stories in a fair, accurate, and unbiased manner. Objective news articles provide the who, what, where, when, why, and how of an event without injecting personal opinions or emotions. They rely on credible sources, facts, and verified information to inform the public objectively. While opinion pieces and editorials allow for subjectivity, standard news reporting adheres to objective principles.

Example (Objective News Reporting): “In a press conference today, the Prime Minister announced new economic measures to address unemployment. The plan includes tax incentives for businesses and increased funding for job training programs.”

Natural Science Reports

Objective writing is a fundamental aspect of scientific reports, particularly in the field of natural sciences. Scientific reports present research findings, experiments, and observations without personal bias or emotional influence. The language used is precise and technical, and statements are supported by empirical evidence and data. Objectivity ensures that other researchers can replicate experiments and validate the conclusions, promoting the advancement of scientific knowledge.

Example (Objective Writing in a Natural Science Report): “The results of the study show a significant correlation between the increase in temperature and the rate of plant growth. The experiment was conducted over a three-month period, and the data were collected and analyzed using standard statistical methods.”

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Subjective vs. Objective: What's the Difference?

By Hannah Yang

If you’re trying to write a strong essay or story, it’s often important to understand the difference between subjective and objective truth.

What exactly do the words subjective and objective mean, and when should you use each?

This article will explain the difference between the two words, provide examples of how they’re used in a sentence, and discuss whether you should look for objective or subjective information to support your own writing.

• What’s the Difference Between Subjective vs. Objective?

How Would You Use Objective and Subjective in a Sentence?

What are some examples of objective statements, what are some examples of subjective information, how can you tell if something is objective or subjective, what is an objective opinion, are impartial facts better than personal feelings, what’s the difference between subjective vs. objective .

The difference between objective and subjective is related to the difference between facts and opinions.

The word objective describes information that’s based on verifiable facts. Objective truth can be verified by a third party, regardless of who the third party is.

For example, the sentence “The temperature outside is around 10°C” is an objective statement, because that statement will be equally true no matter who says it. Anybody in the world with a working thermometer could verify this statement.

The word subjective is the exact opposite; it describes information that’s based on personal opinion or personal interpretation.

Subjective truth might be different for different people, depending on their own tastes, preferences, or experiences.

The sentence “It’s very cold outside” is a subjective statement, because how true this sentence is depends on personal opinions and experiences.

Many temperatures would feel very cold to someone who grew up in Arizona, but comfortably warm to someone who grew up in Alaska.

One easy way to remember the difference between the two words is to remember that “objective” sounds like “object.”

Objective facts are as concrete as the objects you can touch, like your desk, your bike, or your water bottle.

Subjective facts, on the other hand, pertain to more abstract concepts, like beauty, joy, or discomfort.

Here’s an example of a sentence that uses both objective and subjective in context:

"But now we, as pathologists, need more objective measures because symptoms, to a certain degree, are subjective ." (Time)

This sentence, a quote from a pathologist, argues that symptoms of diseases are somewhat subjective because they differ from person to person.

One patient with the flu might feel horribly nauseous, while another patient with the same flu might feel only a mild cough.

As a result, it’s useful for doctors to have objective tools to determine how ill people are, which don’t have results that vary from person to person.

That way, they can track the way a disease spreads even if not all patients feel the same symptoms.

Let’s look at another example.

"We take our unruly, subjective feelings about a year of television and groom them into something that looks mathematical and objective ." (Slate)

This sentence, a quote from a TV critic, argues that trying to rank TV shows is a meaningless task.

Every viewer has different tastes; some might love lighthearted sitcoms, while others prefer serious dramas.

There’s no objective way for a TV critic to determine a Top 10 list that applies to everybody, because everyone’s tastes and enjoyment levels are inherently subjective.

If what you’re writing can be proven or disproven by evidence, it’s an objective statement. Likewise, if you include a reference to an study or an experiment, it is an objective statement.

Remember to always reference information like this. ProWritingAid’s Plagiarism Checker can ensure that you never inadvertently pass off someone else’s work as your own.

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Here are some examples of objective information:

• The largest freshwater fish ever caught was 646 pounds. (Cite- Brittanica)
• Abraham Lincoln was the sixteenth president of the United States.
• The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020.
• I have eaten the plums that were in the icebox.

Keep in mind that those statements would still be considered objective even if they were false.

It’s a common mistake to assume that “objective” is synonymous with “true,” but lies can be objective statements, too. The statement remains objective as long as it doesn’t depend on feelings or opinions.

For example, if William Carlos Williams had written “I didn’t eat any of the plums that were in the icebox,” even though he actually did, that would still qualify as an objective statement.

Here are some examples of false objective statements:

• Abraham Lincoln was the first president of the United States.
• The World Health Organization has never issued an official statement about COVID-19.
• I didn’t eat any of the plums that were in the icebox.

If a statement relies on personal feelings or beliefs, it’s likely to be subjective.

Here are some examples of subjective statements:

• It feels very warm outside.
• Dogs are better than cats.
• The plums in the icebox tasted delicious.

Watch out for subjective information that’s disguised as objective analysis. For example, a newspaper headline that says “New Study Shows That Dogs Are 85% Better Than Cats” sounds like an objective fact. However, because it depends on personal preferences and opinions, it’s still a subjective statement.

Here are some subjective statements that are disguised to sound like objective statements:

• It is objectively very warm outside.
• A new study shows that dogs are 85% better than cats.
• Plums in iceboxes taste ten times better than plums that are left in the heat.

If you’re not sure whether a statement is objective or subjective, here are some useful questions you can ask yourself.

To determine whether a statement is objective , ask:

• Is this statement based on factual evidence?
• Is there a way a scientist could test this statement to figure out if it’s true or false?
• Would a robot without any concept of human emotion be able to say this statement?

If the answers to any of the above questions are “yes,” you’re probably dealing with an objective statement.

To determine whether a statement is subjective , ask:

• Is this statement based on someone’s feelings, preferences, or personal tastes?
• Is it impossible to determine whether this statement is true or false?
• Does this statement make a judgement about something (e.g. good or bad, right or wrong, beautiful or ugly)?

If the answers to any of the above questions are “yes,” you’re probably dealing with a subjective statement.

You can also look at the source of the statement to help you figure out how objective it is.

Sources like peer-reviewed scientific articles and unbiased news articles tend to contain more objective material.

Sources like opinion pieces and creative non-fiction tend to contain more subjective material.

The phrase "objective opinion" might seem counterintuitive, since these two words are essentially opposites.

In this context, the word "objective" means unbiased and impartial, rather than factual. This is also true for the phrase "objective assessment."

For example, you might ask a friend for an objective opinion about whether or not you should break up with your boyfriend.

In this scenario, your friend can’t give you objective advice if they have a personal reason for wanting you to make this decision, such as if they’re secretly in love with your boyfriend too.

Whether you should use subjective or objective statements depends on what your goal is.

If you’re writing a persuasive essay, you’ll usually need factual or quantitative data to make your writing credible. It’s important to search for objective facts from a reliable and impartial source.

On the other hand, you can also make use of subjective evidence, such as personal anecdotes. If you’re writing a persuasive essay about why bullying is wrong, a heartfelt story from the perspective of someone who’s been bullied might touch more readers than impersonal facts.

Most strong essays make use of both subjective and objective truth.

Final Words on the Difference Between Subjective vs. Objective

There you have it: a comprehensive guide to the difference between subjective and objective statements. Which examples did you find most helpful? Let us know in the comments.

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Hannah Yang

Hannah Yang is a speculative fiction writer who writes about all things strange and surreal. Her work has appeared in Analog Science Fiction, Apex Magazine, The Dark, and elsewhere, and two of her stories have been finalists for the Locus Award. Her favorite hobbies include watercolor painting, playing guitar, and rock climbing. You can follow her work on hannahyang.com, or subscribe to her newsletter for publication updates.

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Subjective vs. Objective Essay: Examples, Writing Guides, & Topics

Subjective or objective essay writing is a common task students have to deal with. On the initial stage of completing the assignment, you should learn how to differentiate these two types of papers. Their goals, methods, as well as language, tone, and voice, are different.

A subjective essay focuses on the writer’s personal opinion, while an objective one represents valid facts. So, be careful when composing an objective paragraph or paper. Don’t let your beliefs take over real arguments supported by substantial evidence.

In short, differences between these styles concern the following:

• The ground for objective essays is facts; for subjective essays – personal opinions and beliefs.
• Objective papers report the findings from scientific sources, while subjective ones describe the writer’s thoughts.
• The objective essay’s goal is to help the reader make a decision. Subjective writing aims to reflect the author’s vision of the issue.

So, if you face this task for the first time, you may need some explanations. Custom-writing.org experts prepared a list of tips on how to write objective and subjective essays. Some topics, as well as objective and subjective writing examples, will also be useful.

• 🆚 Subjective vs. Objective

🔗 References

🆚 subjective vs. objective essays.

First and foremost, let’s find out the critical differences between the writing styles. Take a look at the following table and shed light on this issue.

An objective essay is a presentation of the material with no independent opinion involved. Only facts matter in this paper, and only facts can back up some assertions. Writing subjective essays implies introducing your standpoint on a particular problem.

📋 How to Write an Objective Essay

Writing any essay consists of three parts: preparation, the actual writing, and revision. During the first one, you need to decide on your topic and do a little research. You can see how it looks in a real example.

Objective Essay Example: The Portrayal of Odysseus

In Odyssey, Homer portrays Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, as the true epic hero. The depiction of Odysseus is thoughtfully knitted together with the themes of love and loyalty that further magnify it, painting a holistic picture of a long 10-year journey home. Although it can be argued that some of Odysseus’s personality traits he displays cannot be applied to a true hero, he is still depicted following a very specific heroic archetype.

Now, let’s get into more detail!

Objective Essay Topics

If you’ve decided to write an objective essay, you need to come up with a topic. The topic gives a reader a brief overview of what will be covered in the paper.

Here are ten great examples:

• While the differences between Italy and Spain are evident, the resemblances are striking.
• There are several similarities between the movies “Deep Impact” and “Armageddon.”
• Compare and contrast the capitals of two English-speaking countries.
• Somatic symptoms in people with PTSD can be influenced by age, gender, and avoidance.
• Some might argue, but being overweight carries a social stigma.
• Environmental factors contribute to the phenotypic expression of psychological disorders.
• Although the exact reason remains unclear, depression is affected by sex, gender, hormonal changes, and age.
• When comparing and contrasting the Bible and Quran, it seems that they have more similarities than differences.
• Musical ability is the result of influence on the person from outside.
• In comparison to extroverts, introverts draw power from within themselves to use it in future activities.

Objective Essay Structure

We shall continue with exploring an essay structure. Note that the parts described below are essential for any essay.

• Introduction . The introduction is usually the part that broadly describes the topic and gets the interest of the reader. This part of the paper should cover some background information and present the purpose.
• Hypothesis . In case your essay has one, state it in your introduction. A hypothesis includes information about how you intend to prove or refute the claim. It briefly describes the way you intend to do so.
• Arguments . Present one side of the argument. In the next paragraph, present the opposing one, using such words as “however,” “nevertheless,” and “although.” The task is to provide the readers with two sides of the argument.
• Evidence . Provide the evidence for all of your points. Keep the balance in providing proof and refutal. Omit your personal opinion, rather than include the evidence you find informative and convincing.
• Conclusion . Summarize the arguments both for and against the position. While remaining objective, shortly go over the information you presented as evidence. If the instructions require a personal opinion, in conclusion, you might write one. In other cases, briefly recap the parts of the essay. Shorten sentence generator would be greatly beneficial in such endeavor.

📜 How to Write a Subjective Essay

As we’ve mentioned earlier, a subjective essay represents the author’s vision of a particular issue. You have an opportunity to introduce your point of view without supporting your ideas with evidence from the primary sources. However, make sure your arguments are still logical and adequate.

Now see how to write a subjective essay in the sections below.

Subjective Writing Example

A well-chosen topic is the vital determinant of a successful essay. Yet, the process of selecting an idea for your paper might be challenging. That’s why you may find our example helpful.

The rapid pace of development of modern technologies increases the demand for oil and gas every year. A considerable amount of these resources is necessary to maintain both industrial enterprises and private equipment. Despite active production, there are still many unexplored places on Earth, potentially rich in oil and gas deposits. However, while making them public would help solve the existing problem, I’m afraid I disagree with this proposal.

Subjective Essay Topics

Check our list of subjective essay topics, choose the one you like the most, or inspire and come up with your idea!

• The fake and too glamorous life presented in social media leads to the development of an inferiority complex among teenagers.
• The information flows within the country should not be controlled by the governments.
• Since developed nations provoked the climate crisis, they should take full responsibility for their past actions and reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere.
• Cyberbullying should be a matter of the same importance as physical abuse.
• Remote learning opens more opportunities and expands the students’ horizons.
• Instead of catching up with fashion trends, it is better to develop your unique style.
• People should have enough rest to reduce the levels of anxiety and decrease the chances of depression.
• Studying abroad is an experience worth trying.
• Planning and scheduling are perfect strategies to deal with procrastination.
• While applying for a job position, work experience is more significant than having a degree.

📝 Subjective Essay Structure

When you deal with this task, you have full freedom of choice. You can decide for yourself what idea to support and what arguments to present. Still, you have to structure even a subjective essay properly.

Here are the elements you have to include in your paper:

• grab the readers’ attention;
• introduce your subject;
• state your position in the thesis statement.

Important note: your thesis should be clear and straightforward. Let your audience understand your opinion.

• Description . Dive deeper into your topic and describe your issue in detail. However, don’t go too far. Avoid including irrelevant facts and unnecessary information. Follow the principle “quality over quantity” to keep your reader engaged.
• Opinion . After describing your issue, move to the most crucial part of your essay—opinion. State it clearly and concisely. Although you don’t need to provide any evidence from scholarly sources, your ideas should be supported by substantial arguments or examples from your personal life.
• Conclusion . In the last paragraph of your subjective essay, restate your thesis statement. Don’t introduce any other ideas here. To make your paper more dynamic, ask a provocative question at the end. It may motivate your reader for further investigation of your subject.

A helpful tip:

Before submitting your work, make sure it is coherent. Check if all of your ideas follow the logical flow. To avoid redundancy and wordiness, mix shorter sentences with longer ones and apply transitional phrases. Polish your essay, turn it in, and wait for your perfect grade.

Thanks for reading the page! Share it with your peers who may need some guidance as well. Our writers are ready to explain any other essay type , not only objective or subjective ones.

Learn more on this topic:

• How to Write an Expository Essay in Simple Steps
• Nursing Reflective Essay Example and Guidelines for Students
• Essay on Dengue Fever: How to Write + Free Examples
• French Essay Writing: How-to Guide and Examples
• How to Write a Rebuttal Essay: Jackie Michael, Pen and the Pad
• Writing Objectively: OWLL, Massey University
• Subjective vs Objective: Difference and Comparison, Diffen
• Objective and Subjective Claims: TIP Sheet, Butte College
• Evidence: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Organizing Your Argument: Purdue Online Writing Lab, College of Liberal Arts, University of Purdue
• Argumentative Paper Format: Courtesy the Odegaard Writing & Research Center, University of Washington
• How Do I Write an Intro, Conclusion, & Body Paragraph: LSA Sweetland Center for Writing, the University of Michigan
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Very helpful to make my assignment. Thank you so much!

Glad to know that. Thank you very much, Farhana!

Subjective and reflective.

That’s right, Raj 🙂

Thank you for this information. I submitted my subjective essay, which was rejected by my teacher for lack of an attractive hook. After reading your info on writing subjective essays, I know what I should change in my paper to get a good grade.

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How to Write an Objective Essay

Objectivity in essay writing is important in order for the writer to clearly state both sides of an argument without displaying a bias toward one side or the other. When students are given essay titles to complete, not all titles call for objectivity, but the main question will always point to a pro-and-con situation. Personal opinions in essays are not usually accepted unless they are written with objectivity and backed up by references and proof.

Begin your essay with an introductory paragraph that presents the purpose of the essay. If there is a hypothesis involved, state how you intend to prove or disprove the hypothesis and broadly explain how you intend to do so. Details at this point are not necessary, as they will be covered in the main body of your essay.

State one side of the argument and report the evidence and findings that support the statement you are making. Leave out how you personally feel about the issue but do bring in supporting evidence that you find compelling. Remain objective when you compose an essay by keeping your arguments balanced in support or for rebuttal of the hypothesis.

Read back over the essay as you write and remain focused on your objectivity. To be objective is the opposite of being subjective. Being objective is being able to remove yourself from the personal emotions and thoughts you may have about the subject, while being able to examine fairly and critique both sides of the argument you are discussing.

State the opposing argument in your next paragraph or chapter. Use words and phrases that express the change of direction within the essay, such as “however,” “although” and “on the other hand.” Include comments that contrast the preceding paragraphs. For example, you may be writing about Freud, and your contrasting statement would include something like “While Freud argued that ... Jung disagreed with this by stating ...” Your goal in the rebuttal argument is to compel readers to see both sides and draw their own conclusions.

Conclude your essay by summing up the arguments both for and against the position. Again, remaining objective means reiterating your argument in a simplified form to remind readers what they have heard and, hopefully, learned from your statements. Your aim is to gear the readers up for a short evaluation of the topic of discussion. State the facts you have laid out and remind the readers of your own objectivity by using an equal number of references and arguments from both sides. If your essay requires you to conclude with an opinion, then you should compose and add one. If the essay simply requests an argumentative approach, then lay out the two sides and state the conclusion as the recap of the elements of the essay.

Jackie Michael has been a freelance writer since 2007. Her work has appeared on various websites, including Autos.com and CarsDirect. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and sociology from East London University.

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Being objective suggests that you are concerned about facts and are not influenced by personal feelings or biases. Part of being objective is being fair in your work. Try to consider both sides of an argument and avoid making value judgements by using words such as wonderful or appalling. Being objective also makes your work more professional and credible.

Techniques for making your writing more objective

Be explicit in expressing your ideas:.

• several  ⇒  10
• most of the population  ⇒  70%
• some time ago  ⇒  three years ago; or in 2006

Avoid intensifiers which can tend to exaggerate your writing in an imprecise, subjective way:

• For example, awfully, very, really.

Part of being objective is being balanced in your work, professional and believable:

• Try to avoid making value judgements through use of words such as amazing or dreadful.

First vs. third person

Pronouns are a set of words that replace nouns. They can be used to make your work less complicated and less repetitive. Examples of pronouns include:

• First person: I, we, me, us
• Second person: you
• Third person: he, she, it, they, him, her, them

For some assignments, it is appropriate to use the first person (e.g. reflective writing). However, for other assignments the third person is preferred. Sometimes a mixture of the first and third person should be used for different purposes. So, check your assignment guidelines for each assignment, as it will differ for different  assignment types , different style guides, and different disciplines. If you are unsure, then check with your course coordinator. For more on this see 1st person vs. 3rd person .

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Objective vs. Subjective – What’s the Difference?

Home » Objective vs. Subjective – What’s the Difference?

In today’s climate of widespread, often heated disagreement, the ability to successfully distinguish facts from opinions is more important than ever. Effective arguments include both factual observations and value judgements based on those facts.

In this way, arguments contain both objective and subjective statements. But which is which?

It is important to note that both objective and subjective have multiple senses. In this article, I will focus on their use as they relate to the concepts of objectivity and subjectivity in the philosophy of knowledge, or in simpler terms, to facts and opinions.

Since this site is devoted to writing and language use, I would be remiss not to include a discussion on objective and subjective as grammatical senses, as well.

What is the Difference Between Objective and Subjective?

In this article, I will compare objective vs. subjective . I will use each word in an example sentence to illustrate its proper context.

Plus, I will give you a useful memory tool that will help you decide whether something is objective or subjective .

When to Use Objective

Here are some example sentences,

• The journalist strived to engage in objective reporting.
• “Before we can proceed, we need an objective assessment of the facts of the case,” said the detective.
• “I want an objective analysis of our cash flow problems on my desk by Monday morning,” said the board chair.
• In other words, the model is purely objective and ignores outside factors like personnel, coaching and motivation. – The Wall Street Journal

In grammar, objective means referring to nouns or pronouns used as the object in a sentence . Also, see article on objective pronouns .

When to Use Subjective

For example,

• “My subjective stance,” wrote the columnist, “is that the pasta was not very delicious.”
• Journalists should not allow subjective views to contaminate hard news reporting.
• “The article suffers from subjective interpretations of data, and we reject it from publication in this journal,” wrote a peer reviewer.
• Measuring corruption is difficult and subjective, but in 2015 the group compiled a Corruption Perceptions Index that ranks 168 countries based on the perception of corruption in the public sector. – The New York Times

With regard to sentence-level grammar, subjective refers to nouns or pronouns used as the subject of a sentence. Also, see article on subjective pronouns .

Trick to Remember the Difference

Here is a helpful trick to remember subjective vs. objective . Since objective and observation both begin with the letter O , you can use this letter to link the words together in your mind.

Also, subjective and feelings both contain the letter S , which you can use as an additional mnemonic.

Is it objective or subjective? Objective and subjective are adjectives that refer to unbiased observations and biased evaluations , respectively. They each also have a grammatical sense, where they refer to the function and placement of nouns and pronouns in sentences.

• Something that is objective is not influenced by feelings or personal biases.
• Something that is subjective is up for personal interpretation and subject to personal feelings.

Since both subjective and feelings contain the letter S , you can use this shared feature as a mnemonic to help you remember which word is which.

If you still need help, remember to check this site for a quick refresher, as well as any time you need help with a difficult writing topic.

Objective Writing: Student Guidelines & Examples

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A primary purpose of higher learning is to communicate ideas effectively through objective thinking and writing. Basically, teachers expect students to present accurate findings, concerning a specific matter and use verifiable evidence. Moreover, a particular objective method is unique because it allows one to gather, calculate, or evaluate information. In turn, objective writing enables people to present irrefutable facts, apply critical thinking styles, maintain a neutral tone, and use formal and explicit language.

What Is Objective Writing and Its Purpose

According to its definition, objective writing is a specific style and form of communication that presents information and ideas without bias, emotions, or personal opinions. Unlike subjective writing, which includes personal opinions and emotions, objective one relies on evidence, statistics, and verifiable data to convey its message. For example, the main purpose of objective writing is to provide readers with factual, clear, and unbiased information, allowing them to form their own conclusions (Lindsey & Garcia, 2024). Moreover, this approach is especially important in various contexts, like academic papers, news reporting, and technical documentation, where a particular integrity of the information is crucial. By eliminating personal bias and focusing solely on clear facts, such compositions allows a reader to make informed and well-articulated decisions based on the information provided (Barnett & Gionfriddo, 2016). In terms of pages and words, the length of objective writing depends on academic levels, specific requirements, and study disciplines, while general guidelines are:

High School

• Length: 1-3 pages
• Word Count: 250-750 words
• Context: High school assignments often include essays, reports, or short research papers. A key focus is on developing basic academic skills and an ability to present facts clearly and objectively.
• Length: 2-4 pages
• Word Count: 500-1,000 words
• Context: College-level compositions often involve more detailed essays, research papers, and reports. A particular expectation is for more in-depth analysis and an entire use of multiple sources to support an objective presentation of information.
• Length: 3-5 pages
• Word Count: 750-1,250 words
• Context: At a university level, assignments become more complex and detailed, with an emphasis on critical thinking, research, and an ability to present information in an unbiased manner.

Master’s

• Length: 4-10 pages
• Word Count: 1,000-2,500 words
• Context: Master’s level papers involves comprehensive research papers, theses, or projects that require extensive research, analysis, and a particular presentation of information with a high level of objectivity and academic rigor.
• Length: 6-20+ pages
• Word Count: 1,500-5,000+ words
• Context: Ph.D. works, such as dissertations or research articles, demands original research, deep analysis, and a thorough presentation of findings. Objective compositions at this level are expected to be detailed, unbiased, and contribute to a specific field of study.

Note: Some sections of objective writing can be added, deleted, or combined with each other, and such a composition depends on what an author intends to share with readers. For example, a key feature of objective writing is a particular use of unbiased and factual language that presents information based on evidence rather than personal opinions or emotions (Lindsey & Garcia, 2024). Besides, an objective writing method is a technique that involves presenting information and arguments in a neutral, unbiased, and fact-based manner without allowing personal opinions or emotions to influence an entire content. Further on, subjective writing expresses personal opinions, emotions, and perspectives, while objective one presents information and facts in an unbiased and neutral manner without personal influence. In turn, an example of objective writing is a research paper that presents data and findings from a study without bias or personal interpretation, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions (Snyder, 2019). Finally, to start objective writing, people begin with a clear and factual statement that introduces a specific topic without personal opinions or emotional language.

Steps on How to Be Objective in Writing

To write objectively, people clearly state a specific goal or purpose in a concise and measurable way, focusing on a desired outcome without personal bias or emotional language.

• Understand Your Purpose: Clearly define a specific goal of your composition to focus on delivering unbiased information.
• Research Thoroughly: Gather all the necessary information from credible sources to ensure accuracy and a balanced perspective.
• Avoid Personal Bias: Keep personal opinions and emotions out of your essay or research paper to maintain objectivity.
• Use Neutral Language: Choose words that are impartial and avoid emotionally charged or persuasive language.
• Stick to Facts: Present verifiable facts and data rather than speculation or assumptions.
• Consider Multiple Viewpoints: Acknowledge different perspectives to provide a well-rounded analysis.
• Cite Sources Properly: Give credit to all sources of information, ensuring transparency and credibility.
• Edit for Objectivity: Review your document to eliminate any unintentional bias or subjective language.
• Be Transparent About Limitations: Clearly state any limitations in your research or analysis to avoid misleading readers.
• Seek Feedback: Have others review your work to identify any potential bias or subjective elements you might have missed.

Presenting Facts

In simple words, objective writing is a factual process that enhances knowledge. For example, students gather facts that support a selected topic and support arguments with evidence from credible sources (Moran, 2019). Besides, they need to address both sides of an opinion. Then, being objective makes essays or research papers appear professional and reliable. In turn, people avoid making judgments and remain fair in their final works (Kraus et al., 2022). As a result, this strategy allows individuals to present accurate information that addresses existing knowledge gaps. In turn, some examples of sentence starters for beginning any writing objectively are:

• Based on the available evidence, it can be concluded that … .
• A thorough review of existing knowledge and literature indicates that … .
• According to a comprehensive analysis of the data, it is evident that … .
• Research conducted by [Author/Institution] suggests that … .
• The findings from various studies consistently show that … .
• An examination of the facts reveals that … .
• Objective analysis of a given situation indicates that … .
• A particular consensus among experts in a field is that … .
• Documented evidence supports the conclusion that … .
• In light of the data presented, it is clear that … .

Using Critical Thinking Skills

Objective writing is unique because it enhances critical thinking. For example, students evaluate, calculate, and verify an obtained set of information (Flicker & Nixon, 2016). In this case, they must gather relevant details and determine their significance to a chosen subject. Besides, people must ensure an intended audience attains a deeper understanding of a presented topic. Therefore, authors need to appraise information to achieve desired goals.

Maintaining a Neutral Tone

Objective writing is essential because it allows students to use a neutral tone. For example, an objective tone is a neutral and impartial manner of writing that focuses on presenting facts and information without emotional influence or personal bias (Lindsey & Garcia, 2024). In this case, one should not use opinionated, biased, or exclusive language. Further on, authors must submit unbiased information to a target audience and allow readers to determine their opinions. However, imbalanced information does not persuade a target audience to accept a narrow way of thinking (Moran, 2019). In turn, such an approach helps writers to present relevant facts about a specific subject. Thus, scholars need to learn how to maintain an objective and neutral tone since this method allows them to be less judgmental.

Following a Formal Style

Objective writing is an essential skill because it helps students to follow a formal style. Basically, academic papers must use official and formal language, and students must avoid personal pronouns (Lindsey & Garcia, 2024). As such, an extensive use of a third person enhances an overall clarity of an assignment. Then, following a formal style helps scholars to avoid intensifiers that exaggerate their arguments. For example, people should avoid words, like “very” and “really,” since they make information vague (Barnett & Gionfriddo, 2016). Besides, scholarly papers require a proper use of punctuation marks. In turn, successful learners proofread their works to ensure they use commas and full stops effectively. Moreover, this approach prevents all forms of miscommunication. As a result, people need to follow standard rules of objective writing because it trains them to maintain a formal tone in their papers.  

Expressing Ideas

Objective writing allows students to express ideas explicitly. In this case, they need to develop precise sentences to express their thoughts. For example, to write in objective language, people use neutral and factual words that avoid personal opinions, emotions, or biases, focusing solely on evidence-based information (Lindsey & Garcia, 2024). Besides, this approach helps essays to stand out, while students can make their work comprehensible. Hence, people need to learn key features of objective thinking because it allows them to communicate clearly.

What to Include

Common Mistakes

• Using Biased Language: Inadvertently including words or phrases that convey personal opinions or emotions.
• Ignoring Counterarguments: Failing to acknowledge opposing viewpoints, which can make an entire composition appear one-sided.
• Cherry-Picking Data: Selecting only a particular data that supports a specific viewpoint, leading to a biased representation of information.
• Overgeneralizing: Making broad statements without sufficient evidence, which can lead to inaccurate conclusions.
• Failing to Cite Sources: Not properly attributing information to its original source, reducing credibility and transparency.
• Assuming a Reader’s Agreement: Writing as if a reader already shares your perspective, which can undermine objectivity.
• Relying on Anecdotes: Using personal stories or isolated examples instead of comprehensive evidence, which weakens the objectivity.
• Using Absolutes: Employing terms, like “always” or “never,” that leave no room for exceptions or nuances.
• Misinterpreting Data: Drawing conclusions that are not fully supported by presented evidence, leading to misleading statements.
• Overusing Jargon: Using specialized language that may confuse readers and obscure an objective presentation of information.

Objective writing requires people to cover irrefutable facts. Basically, such a process is unique because it enables students to develop critical thinking skills when completing assignments. Furthermore, they should learn key features of objective writing because they gain a particular ability to follow a neutral tone. In turn, students can learn how to write objectively by using a formal and neutral style and improve an overall quality of their academic essays or research papers.

Barnett, D. L., & Gionfriddo, J. K. (2016). Legal reasoning and objective writing: A comprehensive approach . Wolters Kluwer.

Flicker, S., & Nixon, S. A. (2016). Writing peer-reviewed articles with diverse teams: Considerations for novice scholars conducting community-engaged research. Health Promotion International , 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1093/heapro/daw059

Kraus, S., Breier, M., Lim, W. M., Dabić, M., Kumar, S., Kanbach, D., Mukherjee, D., Corvello, V., Piñeiro-Chousa, J., Liguori, E., Palacios-Marqués, D., Schiavone, F., Ferraris, A., Fernandes, C., & Ferreira, J. J. (2022). Literature reviews as independent studies: Guidelines for academic practice. Review of Managerial Science , 16 (8), 2577–2595. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11846-022-00588-8

Lindsey, M., & Garcia, H. (2024). Engaging writing activities: Objective-driven timed exercises for classroom and independent practice . Rowman & Littlefield.

Moran, J. (2019). First you write a sentence: The elements of reading, writing … and life . Penguin Books.

Snyder, H. (2019). Literature review as a research methodology: An overview and guidelines. Journal of Business Research , 104 , 333–339. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.07.039

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Writing objectively How and when to use an impersonal tone

For another look at the same content, check out the video on YouTube (also available on Youku ). There is a worksheet (with answers and teacher's notes) for this video.

Academic writing is generally impersonal and objective in tone. This section considers what objective writing is , how objective academic writing is , then presents several ways to make your writing more objective . There is also an academic article , to show authentic examples of objective language, and a checklist at the end, that you can use to check the objectivity of your own writing.

What is objective writing?

Objective writing places the emphasis on facts, information and arguments, and can be contrasted with subjective writing which relates to personal feelings and biases. Objective writing uses third person pronouns (it, he, she, they), in contrast to subjective writing which uses first person pronouns (I, we) or second person pronoun (you).

How objective is academic writing?

Although many academic writers believe that objectivity is an essential feature of academic writing, conventions are changing and how much this is true depends on the subject of study. An objective, impersonal tone remains essential in the natural sciences (chemistry, biology, physics), which deal with quantitative (i.e. numerical) methods and data. In such subjects, the research is written from the perspective of an impartial observer, who has no emotional connection to the research. Use of a more subjective tone is increasingly acceptable in areas such as naturalist research, business, management, literary studies, theology and philosophical writing, which tend to make greater use of qualitative rather than quantitative data. Reflective writing is increasingly used on university courses and is highly subjective in nature.

How to write objectively

There are many aspects of writing which contribute to an objective tone. The following are some of the main ones.

Use passive

Objective tone is most often connected with the use of passive, which removes the actor from the sentence. For example:

• The experiment was conducted.
• I conducted the experiment.
• The length of the string was measured using a ruler.
• I measured the length of the string with a ruler.

Most academic writers agree that passive should not be overused, and it is generally preferrable for writing to use the active instead, though this is not always possible if the tone is to remain impersonal without use of I or other pronouns. There is, however, a special group of verbs in English called ergative verbs , which are used in the active voice without the actor of the sentence. Examples are dissolve, increase, decrease, lower, and start . For example:

• The white powder dissolved in the liquid.
• I dissolved the white powder in the liquid.
• The white powder was dissolved in the liquid.
• The tax rate increased in 2010.
• We increased the tax rate in 2010.
• The tax rate was increased in 2010.
• The building work started six months ago.
• The workers started the building work six months ago.
• The building work was started six months ago.

Focus on the evidence

Another way to use active voice while remaining objective is to focus on the evidence, and make this the subject of the sentence. For example:

• The findings show...
• The data illustrate...
• The graph displays...
• The literature indicates...

Use evidence from sources

Evidence from sources is a common feature of objective academic writing. This generally uses the third person active. For example:

• Newbold (2021) shows that... He further demonstrates the relationship between...
• Greene and Atwood (2013) suggest that...

Use impersonal constructions

Impersonal constructions with It and There are common ways to write objectively. These structures are often used with hedges (to soften the information) and boosters (to strengthen it) . This kind of language allows the writer to show how strongly they feel about the information, without using emotive language, which should be avoided in academic writing.

• It is clear that... (booster)
• It appears that... (hedge)
• I believe that...
• There are three reasons for this.
• I have identified three reasons for this.
• There are several disadvantages of this approach.
• This is a terrible idea.

Personify the writing

Another way to write objectively is to personify the writing (essay, report, etc.) and make this the subject of the sentence.

• This essay considers the role of diesel emissions in global warming.
• I will discuss the role of diesel emissions in global warming.
• This report has shown that...
• I have shown that...

In short, objective writing means focusing on the information and evidence. While it remains a common feature of academic writing, especially in natural sciences, a subjective tone is increasingly acceptable in fields which make use of qualitative data, as well as in reflective writing. Objectivity in writing can be achieved by:

• using passive;
• focusing on the evidence ( The findings show... );
• referring to sources ( Newbold (2021) shows... );
• using impersonal constructions with It and There ;
• using hedges and boosters to show strength of feeling, rather than emotive language;
• personifying the writing ( This report shows... ).

Bailey, S. (2000). Academic Writing. Abingdon: RoutledgeFalmer

Bennett, K. (2009) 'English academic style manuals: A survey', Journal of English for Academic Purposes , 8 (2009) 43-54.

Cottrell, S. (2013). The Study Skills Handbook (4th ed.) , Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan.

Hinkel, E. (2004). Teaching Academic ESL Writing: Practical Techniques in Vocabulary and Grammar . Mahwah: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Inc Publishers.

Hyland, K. (2006) English for Academic Purposes: An advanced resource book . Abingdon: Routledge.

Jordan, R. R. (1997) English for academic purposes: A guide and resource book for teachers . Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Example article

Below is an authentic academic article. It has been abbreviated by using the abstract and extracts from the article; however, the language is unchanged from the original. Click on the different areas (in the shaded boxes) to highlight the different objective features.

Title: Obesity bias and stigma, attitudes and beliefs among entry-level physiotherapy students in the Republic of Ireland: a cross sectional study. Source: : https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0031940621000353

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Below is a checklist for using objectivity in academic writing. Use it to check your writing, or as a peer to help. Note: you do not need to use all the ways given here.

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Author: Sheldon Smith    ‖    Last modified: 05 February 2024.

Sheldon Smith is the founder and editor of EAPFoundation.com. He has been teaching English for Academic Purposes since 2004. Find out more about him in the about section and connect with him on Twitter , Facebook and LinkedIn .

Compare & contrast essays examine the similarities of two or more objects, and the differences.

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Problem-solution essays are a sub-type of SPSE essays (Situation, Problem, Solution, Evaluation).

Transition signals are useful in achieving good cohesion and coherence in your writing.

Reporting verbs are used to link your in-text citations to the information cited.

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Scholarly Voice: Objectivity

Try to present your argument in as objective a way as possible. Avoid judgmental and emotive language, as this often reveals that you are presenting an opinion rather than evidence or a logical argument. Note, however, that whether a phrase or word is judgmental or emotive often depends on the context. It is best to avoid phrases like "it is right , " "I believe," or "I feel . " Often these types of statements lead the writer into bias , a mistake that academic writing avoids. Remember to back up your arguments with sources and facts in order to give you credibility and a more objective tone.

For example, take a look at this sentence:

I feel that childhood obesity is unhealthy, and children’s eating habits are not right.

Note the use of "I" and the judgmental phrase "not right." Try to think of a way to portray the same information without inserting yourself or your opinion. For example, instead of saying I feel, ask yourself, "Is this a fact?" If it is a fact, write it as a statement:

Childhood obesity is unhealthy.

With this statement, you are stating a fact and removing yourself to maintain your authorial distance. Also, rather than saying their eating habits are not right (after all, who is to judge what is right and wrong in eating?), you can use statistics and valid sources to back up your ideas:

Two major causes of childhood obesity are poor nutrition and uneducated food choices (Fredricks, 2010).

Here you are giving information rather than giving a judgment. See APA 7, Chapter 5 for more guidelines for reducing bias.

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“Subjective” vs. “Objective”: What’s The Difference?

• Quick Summary
• What Does Subjective Mean?
• What Does Objective Mean?
• How To Use Them

Has someone ever asked for your objective opinion? Or said that something is “entirely subjective ”? The words subjective and objective are used in all kinds of contexts, from journalism to science to grammar, and they’re often discussed as opposites. But what do they actually mean?

In most cases, it comes down to whether something is based on personal experience or on verifiable facts. But it can get confusing. An opinion or viewpoint can be said to be objective or subjective, depending on how it was formed. We’re here to clear all of that up by explaining what each word means and how each should be used.

⚡️ Quick summary

Subjective most commonly means based on the personal perspective or preferences of a person—the subject who’s observing something. In contrast, objective most commonly means not influenced by or based on a personal viewpoint—based on the analysis of an object of observation only.

What does subjective mean?

Generally speaking, subjective is used to describe something that exists in the mind of a person or that pertains to viewpoints of an individual person.

Sometimes, subjective means about the same thing as personal . Everyone’s experience of an event is subjective , because each person’s circumstances and background are unique, leading to different interpretations.

Subjective observation is centered on a person’s own mind and perspectives , as opposed to being general, universal, or scientific . In this way, describing an observation as subjective often implies that it comes with (or is based on) personal biases .

In philosophy, subjective specifically means relating to an object as it exists in the mind, as opposed to the thing as it exists in reality (the thing in itself). All perception relies on your mind, so your perception of a thing is ultimately subjective.

What does objective mean?

In most of its common uses, objective is contrasted with subjective, often as if it’s the opposite. Objective most commonly means not influenced by an individual’s personal viewpoint— unbiased (or at least attempting to be unbiased). It’s often used to describe things like observations, decisions, or reports that are based on an unbiased analysis.

Something that’s truly objective has nothing to do with a person’s own feelings or views—it just deals with facts. When someone says “Objectively speaking,” they’re indicating that they’re going to give an unbiased assessment—not one based on their personal preferences.

Journalists are trained to be as objective as possible when reporting—to leave their opinions out of it and just record and present the facts. This is called objectivity .

What else does objective mean?

In grammar, the word objective is applied to words that function as objects —the recipients of actions. In the sentence The dog ate my homework , the word homework is in the objective case (meaning that it’s the object —the recipient—of the action). The word subjective, on the other hand, is applied to a word that’s the subject of the sentence (in the given example, the dog is the subject—the one performing the action).

Learn more about the verbs that take direct objects—transitive verbs.

Objective is also commonly used as a noun meaning a goal or a target, as in The objective of this article is to teach you about the difference between objective and subjective .

Examples of subjective vs. objective

Let’s think about some scenarios in which something might be classified as subjective or objective.

Let’s say you’re a restaurant critic. There may be certain foods that you subjectively dislike—ones that are just not to your taste. But when critiquing dishes, you must leave your subjective tastes aside and be objective about what you eat—making objective judgments about things like how it’s cooked and seasoned and how the ingredients work together. Even if you’re served a dish that you subjectively don’t like, it’s your job to objectively assess its quality.

In a scientific experiment, your hypothesis might be based—at least in part—on your subjective opinion about what the results will be. But science is about being completely objective by gathering data and making conclusions based on the data.

In everyday life, your objective opinion is the one that sets aside your subjective preferences or feelings about something and instead assesses it based on facts and reality.

How to use subjective vs. objective

Use subjective when you’re talking about an opinion or feeling that is based on an individual’s perspective or preferences.

Use objective when you’re talking about something—like an assessment, decision, or report—that’s unbiased and based solely on the observable or verifiable facts.

Examples of subjective and objective used in a sentence

• All art is subjective —everyone has their own personal interpretation.
• We want to record your subjective views on the topic, so just be honest.
• You can always count on her for an objective opinion, no matter what her personal feelings are.
• Although my objective assessment is that the book is poorly written, I can’t help but love its enemies-to-friends plotline.
• The first part of the assignment is an objective analysis of the data; the second part is an essay on your subjective reaction to it.

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• How to Write a Definition Essay

A definition essay can be deceivingly difficult to write. This type of paper requires you to write a personal yet academic definition of one specific word. The definition must be thorough and lengthy. It is essential that you choose a word that will give you plenty to write about, and there are a few standard tactics you can use to elaborate on the term. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind when writing a definition essay.

Part 1 of 3: Choosing the Right Word

1: choose an abstract word with a complex meaning. [1].

A simple word that refers to a concrete word will not give you much to write about, but a complex word that refers to an abstract concept provides more material to explore.

• Typically, nouns that refer to a person, place, or thing are too simple for a definition essay. Nouns that refer to an idea work better, however, as do most adjectives.
• For example, the word “house” is fairly simple and an essay written around it may be dull. By switching to something slightly more abstract like “home,” however, you can play around with the definition more. A “home” is a concept, and there are many elements involved in the creation of a “home.” In comparison, a “house” is merely a structure.

2: Make sure that the word is disputable.

Aside from being complex, the word should also refer to something that can mean different things to different people.

• A definition essay is somewhat subjective by nature since it requires you to analyze and define a word from your own perspective. If the answer you come up with after analyzing a word is the same answer anyone else would come up with, your essay may appear to lack depth.

3: Choose a word you have some familiarity with.

Dictionary definitions can only tell you so much. Since you need to elaborate on the word you choose to define, you will need to have your own base of knowledge or experience with the concept you choose.

• For instance, if you have never heard the term “pedantic,” your understanding of the word will be limited. You can introduce yourself to the word for your essay, but without previous understanding of the concept, you will not know if the definition you describe is truly fitting.

4: Read the dictionary definition.

While you will not be relying completely on the dictionary definition for your essay, familiarizing yourself with the official definition will allow you to compare your own understanding of the concept with the simplest, most academic explanation of it.

• As an example, one definition of “friend” is “a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard.” [2] Your own ideas or beliefs about what a “friend” really is likely include much more information, but this basic definition can present you with a good starting point in forming your own.

5:  Research the word’s origins.

Look up your chosen word in the Oxford English Dictionary or in another etymology dictionary. [3]

• These sources can tell you the history behind a word, which can provide further insight on a general definition as well as information about how a word came to mean what it means today.

Part 2 of 3: Potential Elements of an Effective Definition

1: write an analysis. [4].

Separate a word into various parts. Analyze and define each part in its own paragraph.

• You can separate “return” into “re-” and “turn.” The word “friendship” can be separated into “friend” and “ship.”
• In order to analyze each portion of a word, you will still need to use additional defining tactics like negation and classification.
• Note that this tactic only works for words that contain multiple parts. The word “love,” for instance, cannot be broken down any further. If defining “platonic love,” though, you could define both “platonic” and “love” separately within your essay.

2:  Classify the term.

Specify what classes and parts of speech a word belongs to according to a standard dictionary definition.

• While this information is very basic and dry, it can provide helpful context about the way that a given word is used.

3: Compare an unfamiliar term to something familiar.

An unfamiliar or uncommon concept can be explained using concepts that are more accessible to the average person.

• Many people have never heard of the term “confrere,” for instance. One basic definition is “a fellow member of a profession, fraternity, etc.” As such, you could compare “confrere” with “colleague,” which is a similar yet more familiar concept. [5]

4:  Provide traditional details about the term.

Explain any physical characteristics or traditional thoughts used to describe your term of choice.

• The term “home” is often visualized physically as a house or apartment. In more abstract terms, “home” is traditionally thought to be a warm, cozy, and safe environment. You can include all of these features in a definition essay on “home.”

5: Use examples to illustrate the meaning.

People often relate to stories and vivid images, so using a fitting story or image that relates to the term can be used in clarifying an abstract, formless concept.

• In a definition essay about “kindness,” for example, you could write about an act of kindness you recently witnessed. Someone who mows the lawn of an elderly neighbor is a valid example, just as someone who gave you an encouraging word when you were feeling down might be.

6: Use negation to explain what the term does not mean.

If a term is often misused or misunderstood, mentioning what it is not is an effective way to bring the concept into focus.

• A common example would be the term “courage.” The term is often associated with a lack of fear, but many will argue that “courage” is more accurately described as acting in spite of fear.

7: Provide background information.

This is when your research about the etymology of a word will come in handy. Explain where the term originated and how it came to mean what it currently means.

Part 3 of 3: Definition Essay Structure

1: introduce the standard definition..

You need to clearly state what your word is along with its traditional or dictionary definition in your introductory paragraph.

• By opening with the dictionary definition of your term, you create context and a basic level of knowledge about the word. This will allow you to introduce and elaborate on your own definition.
• This is especially significant when the traditional definition of your term varies from your own definition in notable ways.

2: Define the term in your own words in your thesis.

Your actual thesis statement should define the term in your own words.

• Keep the definition in your thesis brief and basic. You will elaborate on it more in the body of your paper.
• Avoid using passive phrases involving the word “is” when defining your term. The phrases “is where” and “is when” are especially clunky. [6]
• Do not repeat part of the defined term in your definition.

3:  Separate different parts of the definition into separate paragraphs.

Each tactic or method used to define your term should be explored in a separate paragraph.

• Note that you do not need to use all the possible methods of defining a term in your essay. You should use a variety of different methods in order to create a full, well-rounded picture of the term, but some tactics will work great with some terms but not with others.

4: Conclude with a summary of your main points.

Briefly summarize your main points around the start of your concluding paragraph.

• This summary does not need to be elaborate. Usually, looking at the topic sentence of each body paragraph is a good way to form a simple list of your main points.
• You can also draw the essay to a close by referring to phrases or images evoked in your introduction.

5: Mention how the definition has affected you, if desired.

If the term you define plays a part in your own life and experiences, your final concluding remarks are a good place to briefly mention the role it plays.

• Relate your experience with the term to the definition you created for it in your thesis. Avoid sharing experiences that relate to the term but contradict everything you wrote in your essay.

Sources and Citations

• http://www.roanestate.edu/owl/Definition.html
• http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/friend?s=t
• http://www.etymonline.com/
• http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/definition.html
• http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/confrere?s=t
• http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/definition.htm
• How to Write a Definition Essay. Provided by : WikiHow. Located at : http://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Definition-Essay . License : CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike
• Table of Contents

Instructor Resources (Access Requires Login)

• Overview of Instructor Resources

An Overview of the Writing Process

• Introduction to the Writing Process
• Introduction to Writing
• Your Role as a Learner
• What is an Essay?
• Reading to Write
• Defining the Writing Process
• Videos: Prewriting Techniques
• Thesis Statements
• Organizing an Essay
• Creating Paragraphs
• Conclusions
• Editing and Proofreading
• Matters of Grammar, Mechanics, and Style
• Peer Review Checklist
• Comparative Chart of Writing Strategies

Using Sources

• Quoting, Paraphrasing, and Avoiding Plagiarism
• Formatting the Works Cited Page (MLA)
• Citing Paraphrases and Summaries (APA)
• APA Citation Style, 6th edition: General Style Guidelines

Definition Essay

• Definitional Argument Essay
• Critical Thinking
• Video: Thesis Explained
• Effective Thesis Statements
• Student Sample: Definition Essay

Narrative Essay

• Introduction to Narrative Essay
• Student Sample: Narrative Essay
• "Shooting an Elephant" by George Orwell
• "Sixty-nine Cents" by Gary Shteyngart
• Video: The Danger of a Single Story
• How to Write an Annotation
• How to Write a Summary
• Writing for Success: Narration

Illustration/Example Essay

• Introduction to Illustration/Example Essay
• "She's Your Basic L.O.L. in N.A.D" by Perri Klass
• "April & Paris" by David Sedaris
• Writing for Success: Illustration/Example
• Student Sample: Illustration/Example Essay

Compare/Contrast Essay

• Introduction to Compare/Contrast Essay
• "Disability" by Nancy Mairs
• "Friending, Ancient or Otherwise" by Alex Wright
• "A South African Storm" by Allison Howard
• Writing for Success: Compare/Contrast
• Student Sample: Compare/Contrast Essay

Cause-and-Effect Essay

• Introduction to Cause-and-Effect Essay
• "Cultural Baggage" by Barbara Ehrenreich
• "Women in Science" by K.C. Cole
• Writing for Success: Cause and Effect
• Student Sample: Cause-and-Effect Essay

Argument Essay

• Introduction to Argument Essay
• Rogerian Argument
• "The Case Against Torture," by Alisa Soloman
• "The Case for Torture" by Michael Levin
• How to Write a Summary by Paraphrasing Source Material
• Writing for Success: Argument
• Student Sample: Argument Essay
• Grammar/Mechanics Mini-lessons
• Mini-lesson: Subjects and Verbs, Irregular Verbs, Subject Verb Agreement
• Mini-lesson: Sentence Types
• Mini-lesson: Fragments I
• Mini-lesson: Run-ons and Comma Splices I
• Mini-lesson: Comma Usage
• Mini-lesson: Parallelism
• Mini-lesson: The Apostrophe
• Mini-lesson: Capital Letters
• Grammar Practice - Interactive Quizzes
• De Copia - Demonstration of the Variety of Language
• Style Exercise: Voice

Informative Essay

What is an Informative Essay and How to Write One?

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Published on: Aug 11, 2021

Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024

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Have you been assigned an informative essay but don’t know where to start? This guide has got you covered! 

An informative essay is a common assignment for school or college students. The goal is to provide detailed information to the readers about the specific topic. 

Read on to find simple step-by-step instructions for writing an interesting and engaging informative essay. You’ll also get to read helpful examples and tips you can follow to make your essay even better! 

Let’s dive in!

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Informative Essay Definition 

The informative essay can be simply defined as,

"A form of essay writing that aims to educate and inform the reader about a specific topic."

Informative essays can cover a variety of topics. It could be written about a particular thing, event, or natural phenomenon, etc. 

This type of essay highlights the objective facts and evidence without reflecting the writer's subjective point-of-view about the topic. 

What is the Purpose of an Informative Essay?

An informative essay presents objective and verifiable information about a topic. It relies on factual evidence and reliable sources. 

The main goal of writing an informative essay is to;

• Inform the reader about something.
• Explain a particular subject.
• Transmit verified knowledge clearly and concisely.

Types of Informative Essay

There are several types of informative essays, and each type has its own purpose and style. Here are some of the informative essay types that you need to know.

• Descriptive Essay 

A descriptive essay is an essay that describes something about an event, person, place, or idea in detail. The descriptive essay aims to provide enough information to the readers to visualize or imagine the matter described.

Want to know more about descriptive essays? Check out this descriptive essay writing blog to learn more.

• Cause and Effect Essay 

The cause and effect essay describes the cause of an event or idea and then explains its effects on today’s world and people. Also, this type of essay is a common form of organization in academic writing.    

However, the cause-and-effect essay requires strong research skills. Without them, your essay will not become a successful piece of writing. 

• Compare and Contrast Essay 

In a compare and contrast essay, the writer discusses the similarities and differences between two or more things. This type of essay also requires strong critical thinking skills. 

Therefore, when you start writing the compare and contrast essay , you should identify and analyze the subject from all angles and characteristics.

• Process Essay 

The process essay is also known as the "How-To" essay. This essay provides information about how a process occurs or about the process of doing something.

• Problem-Solution Essay 

A problem-solution essay is another common type of informative essay in which you describe a problem and then propose its solution. Its main purpose is to educate the readers on the problem and its significance.  

Looking for more information? Visit our problem-solution essay guide and learn to write perfect problem solution essays.

• Expository Essay 

The expository essay explains, illustrates, or interprets something in a way that becomes easy for the readers. This essay provides a fair analysis of the subject based on facts without the writer’s opinions.  

Here is a simple video that explains informative writing:

How to Start an Informative Essay?   

Before you can start writing, you have to do some "rewriting." Here are the steps involved in prewriting: 

• Brainstorm Ideas 

Brainstorming is the first step in writing any type of essay. Here, you brainstorm several topic ideas and generate a list of potential topics. 

So think about all the possible ideas that are related to your interest and subject. This will help you choose an interesting topic for your essay.  

• Choose a Topic 

Choosing the right topic is essential for writing a great essay. A good topic will not only make your writing process easy but also make the research phase interesting. 

So choose a topic you can easily write about and support it with facts, evidence, and statistics. In short, the topic should be interesting and easy to research.

• Know Your Target Audience 

Your audience determines the style and tone of your essay. Consider who will be reading your essay and what their background, knowledge, and interests might be.

For instance, if you are writing for school children, your language should be simple, easy, and interesting. Meanwhile, writing for a professional audience requires you to use technical terminology and jargon. 

So always think about who you are writing for and determine your audience before proceeding.

• Do the Research 

You have to do some research to gather information for your essay. Make sure the information that you collect is reliable and accurate. 

Use a variety of sources for research, including research articles, books, documentaries, etc. You should also take detailed and organized notes to keep track of the information you find, so you can use it later.

• Create an Outline 

An essay outline helps the writer keep their focus strong and narrow. With the help of an outline, you will easily organize your thoughts and ideas. 

So create an outline of your essay to lay out a structure. 

Don't know how to make an informative essay outline? Don’t worry, read on to find out.

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Informative Essay Outline 

Crafting a well-structured essay involves planning what points to include and how it all ties together. Creating an outline is the best way to ensure that your work is well-structured. 

An informative essay outline is outlined in the following way:

Let’s discuss these outline parts in detail.

Introduction 

• Start with a captivating hook that grabs the reader's attention. It could be an intriguing fact, a relevant quote, or a thought-provoking question.
• State your thesis statement . It is the last part of the introduction that clearly presents the main idea or argument of your essay. It should reflect the informative nature of your essay and guide the reader on what to expect.
• Divide the body of your essay into several paragraphs. Each paragraph should focus on one specific aspect or subtopic related to your main thesis.
• Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main point of that paragraph.
• Analyze and discuss your supporting evidence. They could be examples, facts, or statistics that provide informative content.

Conclusion 

• Summarize the main points covered in your essay.
• End with a thought-provoking statement, a call to action, or a suggestion for further exploration of the topic.

Here is an example outline template that you can use to write your informative essay outline

Informative Essay Outline Template

Creating an outline is necessary for writing any type of essay. Check out our 10+ essay outline templates and make excellent outlines with ease!

How to Write an Informative Essay?  

Once you have done the prewriting, you have got everything you need to start. Following the steps below will help you write a great informative essay.  

How to Write an Informative Essay Introduction? 

The introduction of an essay sets the tone of the essay and provides an overview of the topic. Here are some key elements you need to include when writing an informative essay introduction:

• Attention-Grabber / Hook:

The hook is the first line of the essay that aims to pique the readers’ interest. This can be: 

• An interesting fact,
• A thought-provoking question,
• Or a compelling anecdote related to your topic, etc.

The hook should be related to your topic and should be engaging enough to grab the reader's attention.

Struggling to come up with a good hook? These 200+ hook examples will help you craft an excellent hook!

• Background Information:

After grabbing the reader’s attention, you have to them to your topic. Discuss some background details on the topic to provide context. 

Also, discuss the relevance or importance of the subject matter. This helps the reader understand the significance of the information you're about to present. Moreover, use clear and concise language to provide essential and interesting details to make the reader want to continue reading. 

• Thesis Statement:

The thesis statement presents the main topic or idea of the essay in a concise and clear way. It provides an overview of what will be covered.

The thesis statement is the last part of the introduction. It should be specific, focused, and encompass the main ideas you'll be discussing in the body of the essay.

How to Write an Informative Essay Body Paragraphs? 

The body paragraphs are the major chunk of your essay. They provide all the information about your chosen topic. There should be at least three body paragraphs in your essay, although there can be more depending on your topic. 

Here are the key elements of the informative essay body paragraphs:

• Topic Sentence

Begin each body paragraph with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main point you will be discussing in that paragraph. It is the first sentence of the paragraph and should be clearly related to the thesis.

• Provide Information and Evidence

In an informative essay, information and evidence should be presented clearly and logically. So present the facts, examples, statistics, or quotations that inform the reader about the topic. This information should come from reliable and credible sources.

• Discuss and Elaborate

After presenting the evidence, explain and discuss them to ensure a thorough understanding of the information. Clarify any complex terms, concepts, or ideas that may require explanation for understanding the topic effectively.

• Use Transitional Phrases:

Use transitional phrases or sentences to connect paragraphs and ideas. This helps maintain a cohesive flow of information throughout the essay. 

For instance, transitional words such as "moreover," "furthermore," "on the other hand," or "in addition to" can be used to link ideas logically.

Having a difficult time with smooth transitions? Here’s a list of transition words for essays to help you out!

How to Write an Informative Essay Conclusion?

In an essay conclusion , you wrap up the essay and provide a sense of closure. Writing the informative essay conclusion includes the following steps:

• Summarize the Main Points:

Revisit the main points covered in your essay's body paragraphs and provide a concise summary of the information presented. Do not introduce any new information or arguments in the conclusion.

• Restate your Thesis Statement

Begin your conclusion by restating your thesis statement in a slightly different way. This helps remind the reader of the main objective of your essay. 

• Provide a Thought-Provoking Statement:

End your conclusion with a thought-provoking statement, reflection, or question that leaves a strong impression on the reader. This can help inspire them to continue exploring the topic beyond your essay. 

Edit and Proofread the Essay

Once you are done with your first draft, take some time to proofread and revise you essay. Check for grammar and spelling, format, logical coherence, and clarity. Remove any repetitive statements or unnecessary details. 

Revising your essay will make it even better and more interesting to read.

Informative Essay Examples

Reading some good examples will make writing an informative essay easier for you. Here are a few short informative essay examples that demonstrate how it looks like. Be sure to read them out.

Informative Essay about Stress

Informative Essay on Diabetes

Informative Essay on Netflix

Informative Essay on Tree in Winter

Informative Essay Topics

A good essay topic is a key to a successful essay. Here are a few ideas that will get you inspired:

• The Benefits of Regular Exercise
• The Importance of Recycling
• The Process of Photosynthesis
• What was the Big Bang?
• The History of the Internet
• How did the Dinosaurs go extinct?
• The Benefits of Meditation
• The Impact of Climate Change on Ecosystems
• The Role of Technology in Education

Stuck on choosing your topic? Don’t worry! Check out our list 200 informative essay topics to get inspiration!

To Sum Up, 

This guide introduced everything you needed to start writing an informative essay. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently embark on your informative writing journey.

Are you in a race against the deadline and need professional help? We’ve got you covered!

We are a legit essay writing service with professional essay writers. Our team of experts writes high-quality, original, and customized essays tailored to your unique requirements.               

Our essay writing service has worked on informative essays and academic papers on various topics, with a high rate of customer satisfaction! 

You can also maximize the benefits of our AI writing tool to polish and refine your writing skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should be included in an informative essay.

Here are some points that should be included in an informative essay. 

• Thesis statement 
• Strong evidence 
• Examples 

What is the main topic of an informative essay?

The main topic of an informative essay is to educate the readers on a specific topic.

Nova A. (Literature, Marketing)

As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.

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• How to write an expository essay

How to Write an Expository Essay | Structure, Tips & Examples

Published on July 14, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

“Expository” means “intended to explain or describe something.” An expository essay provides a clear, focused explanation of a particular topic, process, or set of ideas. It doesn’t set out to prove a point, just to give a balanced view of its subject matter.

Expository essays are usually short assignments intended to test your composition skills or your understanding of a subject. They tend to involve less research and original arguments than argumentative essays .

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Table of contents

When should you write an expository essay, how to approach an expository essay, introducing your essay, writing the body paragraphs, concluding your essay, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about expository essays.

In school and university, you might have to write expository essays as in-class exercises, exam questions, or coursework assignments.

Sometimes it won’t be directly stated that the assignment is an expository essay, but there are certain keywords that imply expository writing is required. Consider the prompts below.

The word “explain” here is the clue: An essay responding to this prompt should provide an explanation of this historical process—not necessarily an original argument about it.

Sometimes you’ll be asked to define a particular term or concept. This means more than just copying down the dictionary definition; you’ll be expected to explore different ideas surrounding the term, as this prompt emphasizes.

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An expository essay should take an objective approach: It isn’t about your personal opinions or experiences. Instead, your goal is to provide an informative and balanced explanation of your topic. Avoid using the first or second person (“I” or “you”).

The structure of your expository essay will vary according to the scope of your assignment and the demands of your topic. It’s worthwhile to plan out your structure before you start, using an essay outline .

A common structure for a short expository essay consists of five paragraphs: An introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Like all essays, an expository essay begins with an introduction . This serves to hook the reader’s interest, briefly introduce your topic, and provide a thesis statement summarizing what you’re going to say about it.

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

In many ways, the invention of the printing press marked the end of the Middle Ages. The medieval period in Europe is often remembered as a time of intellectual and political stagnation. Prior to the Renaissance, the average person had very limited access to books and was unlikely to be literate. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century allowed for much less restricted circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation.

The body of your essay is where you cover your topic in depth. It often consists of three paragraphs, but may be more for a longer essay. This is where you present the details of the process, idea or topic you’re explaining.

It’s important to make sure each paragraph covers its own clearly defined topic, introduced with a topic sentence . Different topics (all related to the overall subject matter of the essay) should be presented in a logical order, with clear transitions between paragraphs.

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

The invention of the printing press in 1440 changed this situation dramatically. Johannes Gutenberg, who had worked as a goldsmith, used his knowledge of metals in the design of the press. He made his type from an alloy of lead, tin, and antimony, whose durability allowed for the reliable production of high-quality books. This new technology allowed texts to be reproduced and disseminated on a much larger scale than was previously possible. The Gutenberg Bible appeared in the 1450s, and a large number of printing presses sprang up across the continent in the following decades. Gutenberg’s invention rapidly transformed cultural production in Europe; among other things, it would lead to the Protestant Reformation.

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The conclusion of an expository essay serves to summarize the topic under discussion. It should not present any new information or evidence, but should instead focus on reinforcing the points made so far. Essentially, your conclusion is there to round off the essay in an engaging way.

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

The invention of the printing press was important not only in terms of its immediate cultural and economic effects, but also in terms of its major impact on politics and religion across Europe. In the century following the invention of the printing press, the relatively stationary intellectual atmosphere of the Middle Ages gave way to the social upheavals of the Reformation and the Renaissance. A single technological innovation had contributed to the total reshaping of the continent.

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 expository essay is a broad form that varies in length according to the scope of the assignment.

Expository essays are often assigned as a writing exercise or as part of an exam, in which case a five-paragraph essay of around 800 words may be appropriate.

You’ll usually be given guidelines regarding length; if you’re not sure, ask.

An expository essay is a common assignment in high-school and university composition classes. It might be assigned as coursework, in class, or as part of an exam.

Sometimes you might not be told explicitly to write an expository essay. Look out for prompts containing keywords like “explain” and “define.” An expository essay is usually the right response to these prompts.

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.

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10.6 Definition

Learning objectives.

• Determine the purpose and structure of the definition essay.
• Understand how to write a definition essay.

The Purpose of Definition in Writing

The purpose of a definition essay may seem self-explanatory: the purpose of the definition essay is to simply define something. But defining terms in writing is often more complicated than just consulting a dictionary. In fact, the way we define terms can have far-reaching consequences for individuals as well as collective groups.

Take, for example, a word like alcoholism . The way in which one defines alcoholism depends on its legal, moral, and medical contexts. Lawyers may define alcoholism in terms of its legality; parents may define alcoholism in terms of its morality; and doctors will define alcoholism in terms of symptoms and diagnostic criteria. Think also of terms that people tend to debate in our broader culture. How we define words, such as marriage and climate change , has enormous impact on policy decisions and even on daily decisions. Think about conversations couples may have in which words like commitment , respect , or love need clarification.

Defining terms within a relationship, or any other context, can at first be difficult, but once a definition is established between two people or a group of people, it is easier to have productive dialogues. Definitions, then, establish the way in which people communicate ideas. They set parameters for a given discourse, which is why they are so important.

When writing definition essays, avoid terms that are too simple, that lack complexity. Think in terms of concepts, such as hero , immigration , or loyalty , rather than physical objects. Definitions of concepts, rather than objects, are often fluid and contentious, making for a more effective definition essay.

Writing at Work

Definitions play a critical role in all workplace environments. Take the term sexual harassment , for example. Sexual harassment is broadly defined on the federal level, but each company may have additional criteria that define it further. Knowing how your workplace defines and treats all sexual harassment allegations is important. Think, too, about how your company defines lateness , productivity , or contributions .

On a separate sheet of paper, write about a time in your own life in which the definition of a word, or the lack of a definition, caused an argument. Your term could be something as simple as the category of an all-star in sports or how to define a good movie. Or it could be something with higher stakes and wider impact, such as a political argument. Explain how the conversation began, how the argument hinged on the definition of the word, and how the incident was finally resolved.

Collaboration

Please share with a classmate and compare your responses.

The Structure of a Definition Essay

The definition essay opens with a general discussion of the term to be defined. You then state as your thesis your definition of the term.

The rest of the essay should explain the rationale for your definition. Remember that a dictionary’s definition is limiting, and you should not rely strictly on the dictionary entry. Instead, consider the context in which you are using the word. Context identifies the circumstances, conditions, or setting in which something exists or occurs. Often words take on different meanings depending on the context in which they are used. For example, the ideal leader in a battlefield setting could likely be very different than a leader in an elementary school setting. If a context is missing from the essay, the essay may be too short or the main points could be confusing or misunderstood.

The remainder of the essay should explain different aspects of the term’s definition. For example, if you were defining a good leader in an elementary classroom setting, you might define such a leader according to personality traits: patience, consistency, and flexibility. Each attribute would be explained in its own paragraph.

For definition essays, try to think of concepts that you have a personal stake in. You are more likely to write a more engaging definition essay if you are writing about an idea that has personal value and importance.

It is a good idea to occasionally assess your role in the workplace. You can do this through the process of definition. Identify your role at work by defining not only the routine tasks but also those gray areas where your responsibilities might overlap with those of others. Coming up with a clear definition of roles and responsibilities can add value to your résumé and even increase productivity in the workplace.

On a separate sheet of paper, define each of the following items in your own terms. If you can, establish a context for your definition.

• Consumer culture

Writing a Definition Essay

Choose a topic that will be complex enough to be discussed at length. Choosing a word or phrase of personal relevance often leads to a more interesting and engaging essay.

After you have chosen your word or phrase, start your essay with an introduction that establishes the relevancy of the term in the chosen specific context. Your thesis comes at the end of the introduction, and it should clearly state your definition of the term in the specific context. Establishing a functional context from the beginning will orient readers and minimize misunderstandings.

The body paragraphs should each be dedicated to explaining a different facet of your definition. Make sure to use clear examples and strong details to illustrate your points. Your concluding paragraph should pull together all the different elements of your definition to ultimately reinforce your thesis. See Chapter 15 “Readings: Examples of Essays” to read a sample definition essay.

Create a full definition essay from one of the items you already defined in Note 10.64 “Exercise 2” . Be sure to include an interesting introduction, a clear thesis, a well-explained context, distinct body paragraphs, and a conclusion that pulls everything together.

Key Takeaways

• Definitions establish the way in which people communicate ideas. They set parameters for a given discourse.
• Context affects the meaning and usage of words.
• The thesis of a definition essay should clearly state the writer’s definition of the term in the specific context.
• Body paragraphs should explain the various facets of the definition stated in the thesis.
• The conclusion should pull all the elements of the definition together at the end and reinforce the thesis.

Writing for Success Copyright © 2015 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.