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
– The adjective clause gives the focus of
the paragraph – the controlling idea
• Body
– Explanation
– Examples
• Conclusion – refer back to the topic
sentence
Unity & Coherence
• How do we create unity?
– Focus on explanations that develop and
expand the definition
– Focus on examples that are clear and
precise
• How do we enhance coherence
– Using transitions that illustrate:
• Explanation • Examples -
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.
Brainstorming Technique
• Clustering
Draw a bubble.
And write the topic above it.
Brainstorm!
Look for words that
connect with each
other. Circle the words
and connect them
with lines.
Task: Create a topic sentence with a controlling idea that
relates to the connections you made.
Brainstorming Practice
• Fraud (n) - a person who pretends to have
qualities, abilities, etc. that he does not really have
in order to deceive other people
• Xenophobia (n) - (disapproving) a strong feeling of
dislike or fear of people from other countries
Task: Create a topic sentence for one of these words.
Use your own ideas:
Topic+ general noun+ adjective clause.
Or use the quoted definition:
According to Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, topic
is, “…” (or paraphrase the quoted definition).
Brainstorming Practice
Based on your previous choice,
now brainstorm about the topic.
• Fraud (n)- a person who pretends to have
qualities, abilities, etc. that he does not really
have in order to deceive other people
– Explanation?
• Idea One
• Idea Two
– Examples:
• Example One
• Example Two
• Xenophobia (n) –
(disapproving) a strong feeling
of dislike or fear of people from
other countries
•Explanation?
•Idea One
•Idea Two
•Examples:
•Example One
•Example Two
In-Class Writing
• Choose one of the following words to define in a
paragraph:
Philanthropist (n) – a rich person who helps the poor and
those in need, especially by giving money
Gravy train (n) – a situation where people seem to be making
a lot of money without much effort
Runaround (v) – to treat someone badly by not telling him the
truth or by not giving him the help or the information he
needs…
Nationalism (n) – (sometimes disapproving) a feeling of love
for and pride in your country; a feeling that your country is
better than any other
Fool’s paradise (n) – a state of happiness that is based on
something that is false or cannot last although the happy
person does not realize it
Paradox (n) – a person, thing or situation that has two
opposite features and therefore seems strange
• All definitions are from the Oxford Advanced Learner’s
Dictionary.
Provide your brainstorming and completed paragraph
to me by the end of class today.
Example Student Paragraph
Nationalism
According to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary is “a feeling
of love for and pride in your country; a feeling that your
country is better than any other.” In other words, people are
considered as nationalist when they feel a deep admiration
and an enormous respect for their respective country and its
values. Moreover, these people are always ready to defend
their country, whatever happens, because of the strong
consideration they have for their nation. For example, a
nationalist who goes to a procession during a national holiday
can easily get angry because someone else has let his
country’s flag fall on the ground or even touch the ground.
They are likely to praise their country and not consider others
as equal. This feeling is sometimes disapproved because of
that. For all these reasons, we agree with the definition given
by the dictionary explaining in other words that nationalism is
a strong feeling of respect that most citizens have for their
country.
Problematic Sentences
This is a person who has what it takes to survive and as a
well as use what he has, which can be money to
improve the live of those that lack or hungry.
He have been assisting the poor people by his money.
For example, when you go shopping and you back alone
with many things, your neighborhood helps you to carry
quickly what you bough.
A philanthropist is somebody who helps people whom
need it.
Rich people is be a philantropist in the poor place because
they think these place is need a help.
Moreover, some of the people who donate their money in
social centers to help poor people.
It is not appropriate to deal with somebody by not letting
him know the data that requires him.
There is always poor people need help.