How to write a glossary term

Have you ever questioned how to get started in writing or authoring a glossary term? What needs to be included in the definition? What considerations should be though through?

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Creative thinking cap
• Writing utensil and paper or a computer desktop program

1. If you have ever been stumped when beginning to write a glossary definition, then the following questions should be answered or at least considered for each term....What is the item being defined?
2. What does the item look like? Sometimes it is necessary to add a brief physical description to help people know what it is that you are describing. Some documents will even let you add a picture of the item being described.
3. How does the item function? Does the user need to know how the object or item works?
4. What is the time frame for the item being defined? Does the item or subject of the term only display the audience for a certain duration or is it visible at certain times of the year?
5. What is the target audience? Who will be reading about the object or glossary term?
6. Why is the item important? Tell people basically why you created the glossary term?
7. What are the benefits of the item or term to the target audience? Are people going to be better off as a result?
8. Where will the item be used? Is there a specific region or world, country, state, or city where this information will be important?

Tips & Warnings

• Be brief - yet descriptive
• Include the right amount of information after answering the questions above
• Don't be too detailed in your content!