Definition Paragraph

Definition Paragraph

Choose one of the terms below as the subject of a definition essay. Each term refers to a certain kind of person.

Slob

Cheapskate

Loser

Good neighbor

Busybody

Whiner

Con artist

Optimist

Pessimist

Team player

Bully

Scapegoat

Religious person

Hypocrite

Snob

Tease

Practical joker

Procrastinator

Loner

Type A

Prewriting

a.  As you devise your opening, you may want to refer to the dictionary definition of the term. If so, be sure to use only one meaning of the term. Don’t begin your paragraph with, “According to Webster…”

b.  Remember that your topic sentence of a definition paragraph is a version of “What ______means to me. Present what your experience has made you think the term actually means.

c.  As you plan your supporting paragraphs, think of different parts or qualities of your term.

d.  Support your definition with a series of examples or a single extended example.

e.  You may find outlining to be the most helpful prewriting strategy for your definition essay. As a guide, write your thesis and three supporting points in the spaces below.

Topic Sentence:______

Support:

1. ______

2. ______3.______