3. When you define, you explain the meaning of a word.
Some words have concrete meanings, you can define
them in a few words. Example: Town is “a small city.”
Other terms such as values, faith or human right, are
more abstract and required more detailed definitions. It
is possible to write a paragraph, an essay or even an
entire book about such concepts.
4. THE DEFINITION ESSAY
When you write a definition essay, try to
explain what a term means to you.
For example if someone asks you to define
the term luck, you might give examples about
it .
You may also explain what luck is not.
5. THESIS STATEMENT.
A clear thesis statement for a definition essay introduces the
term and provides a definition. There are 3 basic ways to
define a term.
9. BE PRECISE!
Anorexia nervosa is the inability to eat
Anorexia nervosa is when you want to be thin
Anorexia nervosa is where it is hard to eat properly
Anorexia nervosa is a tragic eating disorder
characterized by the desire to become thin
10. SUPPORTING IDEAS
USE PREWRITING STRATEGIES TO GENERATE IDEAS
CHOOSE THE BEST IDEAS
ORGANIZE YOUR IDEAS
11. Body Paragraph 1: History and Origin
Body Paragraph 2: Full dictionary explanation and use.
Body Paragraph 3: Personal definition created from
experience.
WRITTING PATTERNS
16. LET’S ANSWER!
What is the thesis statement?
____________________________________________________________
_______
What type of definition does the writer use in the thesis statement?
A) By synonym
B) By category
C) By negation
17. Who is the audience?
______________________________________________
How does the writer end the essay?
A) With a prediction
B) With a quotation
C) With a suggestion
18. WRITING MY ESSAY
INTERESTING TOPICS
What is Success?
Describe Love.
Explain the definition of Beauty.
What is Happiness?
