What information is needed in the body paragraphs of a definition essay?

A definition essay can follow a similar pattern or organization as a standard college essay. For more information about writing a standard college essay, click here.

Here are some points to keep in mind when writing your essay:

The essay thoroughly classifies or defines the topic with examples and evidence.
Specific, cited evidence supports ideas and enriches the essay.
Body paragraphs follow the structure set forth in the essay’s thesis, develop the argument throughout, and provide a reasonable reader with evidence to support the argument.
The overall purpose of the essay is clear.
Various sentence lengths and structures are used throughout the entire essay.
Transition words are used to effectively move from one idea to the next.
The essay meets or exceeds the length requirement.

Word Choice and Voice

Vivid words and phrases are used throughout the entire essay. Descriptive words seem accurate and powerful.
The appropriate voice is used throughout the essay. Expressive writing is engaging and sincere throughout the essay. Word choice is precise, appropriate for the content, and is impactful.
The essay contains a clear definition that has been curated or developed AND represents a novel take on the definition AND engages readers with a set of criteria for determining what fits this definition.

Outline:

Introduction
Body Paragraph 1

History of the word
The word’s origins
Evolution of the usage of the word through time

May want to include information about the root word, prefixes, and/or suffixes
Examples of different parts of speech

Body Paragraph 2
Body Paragraph 3
Conclusion