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

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 

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