Definition Paragraph

Definition

According to Folse et al (2010), definition paragraph defines something. Similarly, Anker (2010) stated that definition paragraph explains what a term or concept means.

The definition paragraph has two purposes; i.e.

• tells what something is.
• gives facts, details, and examples to make the definition clear to the reader.

Writing Techniques

How to Write Topic Sentence

The topic sentence of definition paragraph contains a term (topic), ther term's category or class, and the term's features or characteristics. Therefore,
→ Topic Sentence = Topic + Class/Category + features/characteristics
For examples,

• Insomnia is a sleep disorder that prevents people from sleeping.
• Stress is the response of the body to any changes happening.

How to Write Supporting Sentences

Supporting sentences in definition definition paragraph explain what a term or concept means by providing specific examples and giving details about the examples so that your readers understand what the writer means.Therefore,
→ Supporting Sentences = Examples + Details of the examples
Here are the examples:
Topic sentence: Insomnia is a sleep disorder that prevents people from sleeping.
Supporting sentences:

• a. hard to fall asleep. + Details
• b. wake up in the middle of the night + Details
• c. wake up without feeling rested in the morning + Details

Topic sentence: Stress is the response of the body to any changes happening.
Supporting sentences:

• a. when we have a lot of to do. + Details
• b. when we are free. + Details
• c. when we got sick. + Details

How to Write Concluding Sentence

The same as other types of paragraph, the writer may:

• restate the topic sentence,
• summarize the main ideas,
• predict something about the topic,
• or suggest something about the topic.

Reference

Folse et Al (2010). Great Paragraphs. 3rd edition. P- 99
Susan Anker (2010). Real Writing. Paragraph and Essays for College, Work, and Everyday Life. 5th edition. P-205