Definition Paragraphs
What is the Purpose?
• To expand a definition by giving further
explanation and examples.
When will you write this type of paragraph?
• As part of an essay, especially in natural &
health sciences and humanities
• As part of a test there may be questions
asking for definitions of terms
What does a successful definition
paragraph look like?
• Topic sentence: Topic (term to be
defined)+ general noun+ an adjective
clause
• Body
– Explanation
– Examples
• Conclusion – refer back to the topic
sentence
Example Paragraphs
Cholera
Cholera is an intestinal infection that can be
described according to its cause, symptoms, and
treatment. A bacterium, called Vibrio cholera, is the
causative agent of cholera. It can be spread through
contaminated food, water, or feces. Cholera patients
may exhibit different symptoms that can vary from mild to
severe. Some symptoms are diarrhea and loss of water
and salts. Oral or intravenous replacement of fluids and
salts as well as specific antibiotics is a possible
treatment for cholera. Patients can be treated with an
oral rehydration solution or, in severe cases, an
intravenous fluid. Cholera is a serious infection that can
only be resolved with medical intervention.
Example Paragraphs
Canine Teeth
One of the most important types of teeth in the
human mouth is the canines which are the long, sharp
teeth found in the front corners of the upper and lower
rows of teeth, between the incisors and bicuspids.
Because they are long and strong and deeply rooted,
they have several functions. First, even though canines
do not chew food, they guide the jaw during the chewing
process. Second, they shape the face. They can also
serve as anchors for other teeth when a dentist puts in
bridge work. And finally, as the name "canine" suggests,
they work like the teeth of a dog to cut and tear food-and
to bite. In sum, the purpose of these essential, sharp
teeth is manyfold.
Example Paragraphs
Assertiveness
Assertiveness means standing up for your rights --- politely, but
firmly. For example, my friend Teresa is assertive. Once when we
were in a restaurant and her hamburger was well done instead of
rare, Teresa signaled the waiter and nicely asked if she could return
the excellent but well-done burger for one that was a bit rarer. I
braced myself for an argument, but the waiter just replaced the
burger. Another time as we stood in line for movie tickets, a guy cut
in front of Teresa. She tapped him on the shoulder, smiled, and said,
"I see there was a gap that looked as if it were the end of the line,
but it's really back there." When the guy stared at her and said, "I'll
just stay here. You don't mind, right?" She answered, "Well, yes, I do
mind." She then made sure the people in back of us were listening
and said, "And you're not being fair to all these other people, either."
The guy left. Assertiveness helps you get what you want and
deserve without creating a scene.
Example Paragraphs
Gossip.
According to The American Heritage Dictionary, gossip is a
“trivial rumor of a personal nature,” but this definition makes gossip
sound like an activity that is harmless. At first, gossip might not
seem so bad. One person tells a second person something about
someone, and that second person tells a third, and so on. The
information passes from person to person. However, gossip is much
more than just information and rumor. As the rumor continues, it
grows and changes. People do not know all the facts. They add
information. As gossip goes from one person to the next, the
damage continues, and the person who is the subject of the gossip
can’t do anything to answer or protect himself or herself. Celebrities
and regular people suffer from the negative effects of gossip. For
example, a current celebrity might lose custody of her children due
to gossip that is currently circulating about her. For these reasons,
gossiping is a bad habit.
In-Class Writing
• Choose one of the following words to
define in a paragraph:
– Freedom
– Discrimination
– Kindness
– Global Warming
– Farming
- Terrorism
- an Artist
- Gravity
- Plagiarism
- a Zoo
Provide your brainstorming and completed paragraph
to me by the end of class today.
Example Student Paragraph
Problematic Sentences