Definition Essay

-II- The thesis statement includes both the term and your basic definition.

These definitions have a three-part structure that includes: 1) the term to be defined 2) the general class to which the term belongs 3) the things that make the term different from other terms in its class.

Write the definition in your own words and think about wording that will make sense to your reader. Do not write a definition that sounds like it came from a dictionary.

You can consult your dictionary to find out what the term means, but your paragraph will include much more than the dictionary’s definition. It will include a personal definition

A single-sentence formal definition is often not enough to define a technical term, a concept, or a complicated subject. That’s why you have to write a longer definition in a DEFINITION paragraph or essay.

Democracy is a form of government a university is an institution of learning a cabbage is a plant a family is not a corporation a good job does not have to offer a high salary the ideal pet is not necessarily a dog or a cat

The supporting paragraphs for a definition essay develop the characteristic of the term being defined. They may include description and examples. Also, they may mention what something is not.

Your supporting details explain the characteristics of the term. Examples can also explain the characteristic.

The major support points of your essay are the examples that show what you mean by your use of the term or concept you are defining. Choose at least three good examples that demonstrate your use of the term being defined.

Explain each example with details that clearly show how the example demonstrates your definition.

Transitions used for definition: The term is defined as… is understood to be… means that… is sometimes thought to be… signifies…

Define: Love Friendship Happiness Pressure/stress Success Freedom Sexual harassment An ideal husband/wife A good teacher