Critical Thinking Essay Your task for this essay is to define critical thinking; therefore, you are in essence composing a definition essay. Read the guidelines below for composing a definition essay. I. A definition essay defines a word, term, or concept in depth by providing a personal commentary on what the specific subject means. A. Most physical objects have a definition about which most people agree. 1. Most people will agree on what trees, windows, computers, and pencils are in general. 2. These objects all have specific physical properties that most people can agree on through the use of their physical senses. B. However, abstract terms, such as love, pain, or patriotism, have different meanings for different individuals because such terms play on people’s feelings more than their physical senses. C. The definition essay provides a personal, extended definition of such terms by linking or comparing the term to a previous definition and by illustrating how that term should be applied. II. Setting up the definition essay A. Your topic- critical thinking- has been chosen for you. 1. Since such essays are personal in nature, you may use first person tone of voice. B. Now that you have the subject, outline your paper carefully before writing. 1. Outlining will help you determine the specific points you want to cover in the definition and point out where you need examples. 2. Below is a suggestion for how to outline a definition paper: I. Introduction A. Attention getter 1. You may want to include the traditional or dictionary definition here to provide a basis for your personal definition. 2. You may want to open with a contradictory image to what would be your image to illustrate that definition. B. Thesis: State how you define the term. If you can write the definition using specific points, you will find the definition easier to follow when writing the paper. II. Body A. Background information: 1. Often unnecessary in this type of paper 2. However, you may need to provide some background about the term or your connection to the term. Use your three sources to assist in this area. B. Points one-three. 1. Explain a critical element of how critical thinking is used by individuals or its benefits/purpose. 2. Example to illustrate that point or use of an outside source to support. 3. Include and explain the steps of the critical thinking process. III. Conclusion A. Review your definition’s main points. B. Closing attention setter.