1. Copyright © 2012 by Pearson Education, Inc.

2. CHAPTER 8: DEFINITION
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3. CHAPTER OUTLINE AND LEARNING OBJECTIVES
In this chapter, you will learn to:
 identify formal and personal definitions,
 recognize abstract and concrete terms, and
 write a definition paragraph by defining a term
according to its distinguishing characteristics.
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4. WHAT IS DEFINITION?
 A definition paragraph is one that explains what a
term means to you.
 Hints for Writing a Definition Paragraph
1. Pick a word or phrase that has a personal
meaning for you and that allows you room to
develop your idea.
2. The topic sentence should have three parts.
3. Select an appropriate class or category.
4. Express your attitude.
5. Use specific and concrete examples to explain
your definition.
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5. WRITING THE DEFINITION PARAGRAPH IN STEPS
 PrewritingDefinition—how to generate and develop
ideas for your definition paragraph
 Planning Definition—how to organize your ideas for
your definition paragraph
 Drafting and Revising Definition—how to create,
revise, and edit rough drafts of your definition
paragraph
 Proofreading Definition—how to proofread and make
one final check of your definition paragraph
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6. PREWRITING DEFINITION
 To pick a topic, begin with some personality trait or type of
person.
 Using Questions to Get Details
 Think of questions about your term.
 Answer the questions and these answers can become
the details for your paragraph.
 The Topic Sentence
 Grouping the details can help you form the topic
sentence.
 Once you have a topic sentence, you can begin working
on the planning stage.
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7. PLANNING DEFINITION
 To make an outline, start with the topic sentence and
list the grouped details.
 Checklist for Revising the Definition Outline
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8. DRAFTING AND REVISING DEFINITION
 To write the first draft, rewrite the outline in
paragraph form.
 Transitions
 Info Box: Transitions for a Definition Paragraph
 Sample Draft
 Checklist for Revising the Draft of a Definition
Paragraph
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9. PROOFREADING DEFINITION
 Check for errors in spelling, grammar, and word
choice.
 Lines of Detail: A Walk-Through Assignment
 Topics for Writing a Definition Paragraph
 Topics for Critical Thinking and Writing
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10. WHAT IS DEFINITION?
A. Explains how to do something.
B. Explains what a term means to you.
C. Shows a reader what a person, place, thing, or
situation is like.
D. Uses specific examples to support a general point.
Copyright © 2012 by Pearson Education, Inc.

11. WHAT IS DEFINITION?
A. Explains how to do something.
B. Explains what a term means to you.
C. Shows a reader what a person, place, thing, or
situation is like.
D. Uses specific examples to support a general point.
Write a definition paragraph by defining a term
according to its distinguishing characteristics.
Copyright © 2012 by Pearson Education, Inc.

12. WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING IS AN EXAMPLE
OF A CONCRETE TERM?
A. fear
B. surgeon
C. respect
D. dignity
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13. WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING IS AN EXAMPLE
OF A CONCRETE TERM?
A. fear
B. surgeon
C. respect
D. dignity
recognize abstract and concrete terms
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14. WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING IS AN EXAMPLE
OF AN ABSTRACT TERM?
A. aspirin
B. surgeon
C. beauty
D. propeller
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15. WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING IS AN EXAMPLE
OF AN ABSTRACT TERM?
A. aspirin
B. surgeon
C. beauty
D. propeller
recognize abstract and concrete terms
Copyright © 2012 by Pearson Education, Inc.

16. “LOVE MEANS TRUST” IS A(N) EXAMPLE OF ____________
DEFINITION.
A. formal
B. informal
C. personal
D. dictionary
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17. “LOVE MEANS TRUST” IS A(N) EXAMPLE OF ____________
DEFINITION.
A. formal
B. informal
C. personal
D. dictionary
identify formal and personal definitions
Copyright © 2012 by Pearson Education, Inc.