Defination

Paragraph
Group: 1
Lecturer: MA. Tran Tin Nghi

What is a definition paragraph?

A definition paragraph defines something. The word
definition comes from the verb to define, which
means to state the meaning of a word or to
describe the basic qualities of something. In a
definition paragraph, the writers main purpose is to
tell you what something is.
A good definition paragraph shows insight,
thoughtfulness, and individuality. It also shows
the ability to look beneath the surface of a
shallow thought.

Formula of Defination Paragraph (1)

TERM + CLASS + DESCRIPTION (DESCRIPTIVE SENTENCE)
Ex1 : Lemonade (term) is a type of drink (larger class) that is made
from lemons, sugar and water and ice.(description).
Ex2: Happiness (term) is a type of feeling (larger class) thats
showingpleasureorcontentment (description).

Descriptivesentencesinclude details that appeal to the five senses: sight,

taste, touch, smell, and hearing. In a descriptive sentences, the writer must
convey information that appeals to all thesenses, in order to give the best
possible description to the reader.

Descriptive sentencesare commonly used in fiction and non-fiction writing,

to help to immerse readers into the world of the author.

Using varied descriptive words also helps a reader better understand the
subject being described. Descriptive words modify verbs and nouns. All
adjectives, or describing words added to nouns and verbs to indicate what
color, what kind, how many or which one, are descriptive words although not
all descriptive words are adjectives.

Write one topic sentence that mentions the

element that you will define, and be sure to
provide three key defining words or phrases.

In about one sentence, explain your first

defining word/phrase by telling why this
word/phrase defines your subject.

Provide one to two sentences that give a

specific example of your first defining
word/phrase.

Starting with a transitional phrase, explain your

second defining word in about one sentence just
like you did for your first defining word/phrase.

Write one to two sentences that give an

illustrative example of your second defining
word/phrase.

Explain your third defining key word/phrase the

same way that you explained your first and
second defining key word/phrase.

End your paragraph with one closing sentence.

The sequence of steps for a definition

paragraph
Step

1: Choose a topic

Step

2: Brainstorm some information about the

topic. What do you want to include? What do
your readers know about the topic? What do
they want to know?

Step

3: Write a topic sentence controlling ideas

Step

4: write a few supporting sentences that

relate to the topic.

Step

5: End with a concluding sentence that

restates the topic or makes a prediction about it

Step

6: If you use words from another source,

put quotation marks around them.

PART OF DEFINATION PARAGRAPH

The
Definition
of Terms
paragraph
will have
4 parts:

Introduction to the
term and topic.

Why does this term need to be

defined? Why is there any question
about its definition? Why is it
important?

Dictionary definition.

Choose the most common

meaning from the dictionary
and modify it.

Your definition.

What do you think it means?

How are you using it here?

Conclusion.

How this relates to your

thesis or why its important.

Formula of Defination Paragraph (2)

Common Terms used for Definition

(The term) is defined as

(The term) is understood to be

(The term) signifies

(The term) means that

(The term) denotes

(The term) suggests

(The term) connotes

(The term) is

Example 1
Write a definition
entertainment

paragraph

about

the

word

Horror movies are very popular today, but many question

whether they are entertainment. To those who do not
enjoy being frightened, entertainment may involve other
types of movies, but not those that are meant to frighten.

Introduction
to the term
and topic.

The Longman Dictionary of American English defines

entertainment as things such as television, movies, etc.
that amuse or interest people

Dictionary
definition.

When fear hold neither amusement nor interest, it can

therefore not be called entertainment.

Your
definition.

Certainly people do not agree on this point, or they would

not be so popular.

Conclusion.

Language focus (1)

Adding

quotation marks

To

mark the exact words that were spoken by

someone

To

mark language that a writer has borrowed

from another source

To

indicate when a word or phrase is being used

in a special way

Ex: According to The American Heritage

Dictionary, gossip is a trivial rumor of a personal
nature

Language focus (1)

Sequencing

sentences: A good paragraph may be

created with sentences in a certain order for the
meaning they want. (Ex p.97)

Analyzing

a paragraph

The

best place to put an example is usually just after

you have explained an idea. If your paragraph
compares two ideas, explain both ideas first, then
provide examples of both in the following sentences.

For

beginning an example, we can use: For example,

for instance, an example of this is, or we can also
write an example sentence without such an
introduction.

Language focus (2)

Simple

adjective clauses: A simple adjective

clause is made up a relative pronoun (that, which,
who) followed by a verb and sometimes an
object. It describes the noun(s) that becomes
before it.
Notes:
Use

that or which for things.

Use

who or that for people.

Ex: A hurricane is a dangerous storm that features

high winds and heavy rains.

Language focus (2)

Combine

sentences for variety

For

variety, combine two short sentences with a

connecting word, such as and, but, or, and so.
The writer has combined phrases and ideas
together to make more complex sentences that
sound better and read more smoothly.

Methods:

we can use adjectives, adjectives

clauses, adverbs, adverbs clauses, prepositional
phrases, and other variations in the sentence
for variety.

The member of Group 1

Thch

Dng Kim An

Hong

Mnh Dng

Bi
L

Thnh Khoa (C)

Nguyn Hoi Phng

Trng

Th Xun Sa

Dng

M Tin

Phm

Minh Tun

Assignment:

Write a definition paragraph on a slang term you or your

friends use.

Begin with a topic sentence that is your dictionary-style

definition of your slang term. Then support this topic
sentence with examples of how this term is used in
conversation, etc.

Our topic sentence should follow the formula discussed

above and included below. Topic Sentence:
_____ is a slang term my friends use that means ___.

Your finished paragraph should be five to seven sentences

in length.