How to Write 1 Well Developed and Organized Definition Paragraph

The paragraph is a great start for many basic level and/or ESL (English as a second language) writers who need and seek improvement with his or her writing skills. One of the most important factors about writing 1 paragraph is staying on topic. With more and more practice in writing well-developed paragraphs, the writer will feel more confident to approach essay writing and other types of writing. One type of paragraph is the definition paragraph. The definition paragraph allows writers to examine one element in life and articulate what that one element means to the writer. Follow this simple recipe for writing a well-developed and focused definition paragraph, and I assure my readers that writing and staying on topic is simple. The first step contains some tips before writing. The 2nd step is a recipe to follow for this type of paragraph. Step 3 and 4 of this article are two student samples of well-focused and well-developed definition paragraphs that follow the format.

Things You'll Need

• A place to write, time, practice, and patience

Instructions

1. Take some time to think of one element that you want to define, and think about what that element means to you

2. A format for a definition paragraph:

   a) Write 1 clear topic sentence that mentions your element and have 3 words or phrases that tell what that element means to you.

   b) Write 1 sentence that explains your first defining word or phrase.

   c) Write 1-2 sentences that provide a clear and specific example of your first defining word.

   d) Using a transitional phrase, write 1 sentence that explains your second defining word.

   e) Write 1-2 sentences that provide another specific example that supports your second defining word.

   f) Using another transitional phrase, write 1 sentence that explains your third defining word.

   g) Write 1-2 more sentences of a clear and specific example that supports your third defining word.

   h) Write 1 closing sentence that seals off your paragraph.

3. Student example of a definition paragraph that supports the above format. The lower case letters next to each sentence are simply the ingredients from the above format. Use the letters and the format as a checklist.

   (a) For me, the word relationship means to trust, to have faith, and to enjoy each other's company. (b) Trust is essential because it keeps the relationship healthy for both people. (c) For example, I have two friends who are in relationships. One friend has a very trusting relationship, and they always look happy; however, my other friend's girlfriend always thinks he is cheating. As a result, they always argue. (d) Second, having faith in a relationship helps both people grow and fulfill their dreams. (e) For instance, I never had anyone every have faith in me, and I always felt unmotivated; however, my current girlfriend always tells me I can do anything I want. Because of her faith in me, I am now in college about to graduate. (f) Finally, enjoying each other's company is important because it brings the relationship closer together and allows love to grow really strong. (g) To illustrate, I watched a movie the other day, and the couple in the movie were always laughing in each other's presence. Therefore, when they were not around each other, they both were unhappy; they were unhappy because they enjoyed each other's company so much that to be apart was hard for both of them. (h) In conclusion, trust, faith, and enjoyment are the three defining parts of a relationship.

4. Another student sample of a well developed and well focused definition paragraph. The lower case letters next to each sentence are simply the ingredients from the format in step 2. Use the letters and the format as a checklist.

   (a) Happiness means many different things to different people, but to me it means self-peace, great friends, and a great job. (b) The first thing that I believe a person needs in order to be happy is self-peace because it allows a person be balanced and peaceful with all elements in life. (c) For instance, I have a friend who is not happy with himself because he hates the way he looks, he keeps trying to quite smoking, and he never take time for himself. As a result, he takes his frustration out on everybody at school, his friends, his family, and his job. (d) Having great friends is another thing that can bring happiness because friends can bring laughter and joy to a person's life. (e) To Illustrate, I have great friends who always make me laugh. The other day, I had a bad day at school; however, two of my best friends took me out that night, and we sat and did nothing but laugh, and I felt so happy. (f) Third, a great job brings happiness because, if you think about it, people spend a good portion of their life at work; therefore, if you are miserable at work, then chances are you will be miserable outside of work. (g) For example, my mother used to have a job the made her very unhappy, and she would always come home in a bad mood. However, she now has a great job and is always in a good mood. (h) To conclude, happiness means having self-peace, having great friends, and having a great job.

5. Always properly edit your work for content/organization and grammar/mechanics.

Tips & Warnings

• This is not the only way to write a definition paragraph. This is only one way to help stay organized.