5.10: Student Sample- Definition-Expository Essay

Sample Essay 1: Definition of a Sister

Please Note: Evidence and matching citations are highlighted to help you learn the format. You don't need to do this in your essay.

Sisters are not just born, they are made through a unique bond that transcends blood relations. The concept of a sister holds significant meaning in many cultures and societies. Sisters are often seen as companions, confidantes, and lifelong friends. The term "sister" encompasses the aspects of kinship, support, and shared experiences, highlighting the deep bond and importance of this relationship.

A sister is a female sibling connected through shared biological parents or adopted into the same family ("sister"). Growing up with a sister means sharing childhood memories, experiencing similar family traditions and upbringing. For instance, my sister and I spent hours playing dress-up together, creating imaginary worlds and dreaming of adventures. We shared inside jokes, secret languages, and our own special rituals. These shared experiences solidified our bond, creating a deep connection that has lasted throughout our lives.

However, the significance of a sister extends beyond biological ties. Sisters provide emotional support, understanding, and companionship through life's joys and challenges. Lisa Adams, a renowned psychologist, explains in her article "The Power of Sisterhood: Building Strong Bonds and Emotional Connections" that sisters often serve as confidantes, offering a safe space for sharing thoughts, concerns, and aspirations. They provide a listening ear, lend a helping hand, and offer comfort during difficult times. The emotional support provided by sisters plays a vital role in the well-being and happiness of individuals (Adams). I have always come to my sister first with any news- joyful or devastating- because I knew I could trust her to listen, be supportive, and offer wise advice.

Moreover, sisters share unique experiences and create lasting memories, forging a lifelong friendship. As sisters grow up together, they navigate childhood, adolescence, and adulthood side by side. The shared journey fosters a deep understanding and connection. Adventures, milestones, and challenges become shared stories that form the fabric of their bond. Jane Johnson, a sociologist, explores the significance of shared experiences in her article "Sisters: A Journey of Shared Memories and Lifelong Friendship." Johnson emphasizes how inside jokes, secret languages, and cherished traditions are woven into the tapestry of sisterhood. These shared experiences create a treasure trove of memories that sisters can revisit and reminisce about, even as they age (Johnson). My sister and I faced the trials and tribulations of adolescence together, supporting each other through teenage angst and heartbreak. Our shared experiences shaped who we are today and laid the foundation for a lifelong friendship.

While it is true that not all sibling relationships are close, many sisters develop strong bonds based on shared experiences, support, and understanding. Even when sisters have arguments or disagreements, most are able to overcome differences because their relationships are more important. My sister and I have faced numerous challenges together, and while we did have disagreements when we were younger, we have become each other's biggest cheerleaders and greatest sources of strength over the years.

In conclusion, sisters are not just family; they are companions who share a deep bond. The term "sister" encompasses the aspects of kinship, support, and shared experiences. Growing up with a sister means sharing a unique connection and forging a lifelong friendship. Sisters provide emotional support, understanding, and companionship. They are there for each other through the ups and downs of life, creating a strong foundation of love and trust. Sisters truly hold a special place in our hearts and play an irreplaceable role in our lives.

Works Cited

(note: entries are in alphabetical order by first word)

Johnson, Jane. "Sisters: A Journey of Shared Memories". Psychology Today, 2018. Web. 14 May 2021

Adams, Lisa. "The Power of Sisterhood: Building Strong Bonds and Emotional Connections." Journal of Psychology and Family Dynamics, vol. IX, no. ii, 2014, pp. 346-355..

"sister." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, 2011. Web. 8 May 2021

Sample Essay 2: "Healthy Relationships"

The Foundations of Healthy Romantic Relationships

Love has been the muse for countless songs, books, and artworks throughout history, yet it remains one of life's greatest puzzles. Beyond its poetic charm, romantic love shapes relationships that deeply affect our happiness and overall life satisfaction. In our busy modern world, where online connections often take center stage, understanding what makes a romantic relationship truly healthy is more important than ever.

People have always sought companionship, with evidence of couples forming bonds dating back to ancient times. As human societies grew and changed, so did our ideas about romantic relationships, influenced by cultural traditions, social expectations, and personal desires. In recent years, the landscape of romance has shifted dramatically, thanks to changing gender roles, people living longer, and the rise of online dating.

Despite all these changes, our basic need for deep, meaningful connections remains the same. Research in psychology consistently shows that people in healthy, supportive relationships tend to be happier, healthier, and better able to handle life's challenges. However, creating and maintaining such relationships isn't always straightforward or easy.

At its heart, a healthy romantic relationship is built on several key elements that work together to create a strong, lasting bond between partners. These include good communication, trust and respect, emotional and physical closeness, and supporting each other's personal growth. By looking closely at these fundamental aspects, we can better understand what makes successful partnerships tick and learn how to build more fulfilling romantic relationships in our own lives.

Good communication is the cornerstone of healthy romantic relationships. It's how partners share their thoughts, feelings, and needs with each other. Dr. John Gottman, a well-known relationship expert, points out in his book "The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work" that "Happy couples, I found, communicate differently from those who eventually split up or live together unhappily" (3). This difference shows up in how well partners can talk openly and honestly while still being respectful and understanding of each other. Good communication isn't just about talking; it's also about listening carefully to understand your partner's point of view without judging them. It also includes being able to handle disagreements in a positive way, looking for solutions together rather than trying to win arguments. When couples prioritize clear and kind communication, they build a foundation of understanding that strengthens their bond and helps them face challenges as a team.

Trust and respect are the bedrock of healthy romantic relationships, creating a safe space where both partners feel valued and secure. Trust means believing in your partner's honesty, reliability, and commitment to the relationship. It grows over time through consistent actions that show dependability and integrity. Respect goes hand in hand with trust and means truly valuing your partner's thoughts, feelings, and individuality. Dr. Sue Johnson, who developed a type of couples therapy, emphasizes how important it is to respond to each other's emotional needs in building trust. In her book "Hold Me Tight," she explains, "When we feel generally secure, that our partners will respond to us when we need them, we can maintain a sense of emotional balance" (32). This security allows people to be their true selves in the relationship, leading to a deeper connection. When trust and respect are strong, partners feel free to express themselves fully and face life's ups and downs together, making their relationship stronger and more likely to last.

Emotional and physical closeness play important roles in nurturing the connection between partners in healthy romantic relationships. Emotional closeness involves sharing your deepest thoughts, feelings, and experiences, creating a strong sense of connection and understanding. Physical closeness, which includes both sexual and non-sexual forms of affection, offers a unique way to express love, desire, and connection. Dr. Emily Nagoski, a sex educator and author of "Come As You Are," highlights the importance of understanding and respecting each other's needs and boundaries in building intimacy. She notes, "Context is everything when it comes to sex and desire. What matters most is not the individual pieces but how they fit together" (56). This view shows how emotional and physical closeness are interconnected and emphasizes the need for open communication about desires and comfort levels. Couples who prioritize both types of closeness, balancing shared vulnerability with respect for individual boundaries, often experience a deeper sense of connection and satisfaction in their relationship.

Supporting each other's personal growth is a vital part of healthy romantic relationships, creating an environment where both partners can thrive individually and as a couple. This means actively encouraging each other's goals, celebrating successes, and providing comfort during tough times. Dr. Gary Chapman, author of "The 5 Love Languages," emphasizes the importance of understanding and meeting each other's emotional needs, stating, "Love is something you do for someone else, not something you do for yourself" (13). This perspective highlights how healthy relationships involve give and take, with both partners committed to each other's well-being and happiness. Supporting personal growth goes beyond just offering words of encouragement. It includes adapting to changes, offering helpful feedback, and growing together as individuals and as a couple. By fostering an atmosphere of growth and support, partners create a dynamic relationship that can stand the test of time and continue to flourish as life changes.

These key elements - good communication, trust and respect, emotional and physical closeness, and supporting each other's growth - work together to create a healthy, thriving romantic relationship. Each element strengthens the others, forming a strong foundation that can withstand the inevitable challenges that come up in any long-term partnership. While no relationship is perfect, couples who actively work on these fundamental aspects are better equipped to handle difficulties and maintain a strong, satisfying partnership. Understanding and putting these principles into practice requires ongoing effort, commitment, and a willingness to learn and grow together. However, the rewards of a healthy romantic relationship - including greater happiness, better mental and physical health, and a deep sense of connection - make this investment in one's relationship incredibly worthwhile.

As many would agree, healthy romantic relationships don't just happen by chance or because two people are compatible. They're the result of intentional efforts to build and maintain strong connections. By focusing on good communication, building trust and respect, nurturing emotional and physical closeness, and supporting each other's personal growth, partners can create relationships that not only last but thrive. In doing so, they not only enhance their own lives but also contribute to the broader tapestry of human connection, showing the lasting power of love to enrich and elevate our lives.

Works Cited

Chapman, Gary. The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts. Northfield Publishing, 2015.

Gottman, John M. The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. Harmony Books, 2015.

Johnson, Sue. Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love. Little, Brown Spark, 2008.

Nagoski, Emily. Come As You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life. Simon & Schuster, 2015.