Checklist: How to Write Definition

CHECKLIST: HOW TO WRITE DEFINITION

STEPS DETAILS
Narrow and explore your topic. See Chapter 2.
  • Make the topic more specific.
  • Prewrite to get ideas about the narrowed topic.
Write a topic sentence (paragraph) or thesis statement (essay). See Chapter 3.
  • State the term that you are focusing on, and provide a definition for it.
Support your point. See Chapter 3.
  • Come up with examples and details to explain your definition.
Write a draft. See Chapter 4.
  • Make a plan that puts the examples in a logical order.
  • Include a topic sentence (paragraph) or thesis statement (essay) and all the supporting examples and details.
Revise your draft. See Chapter 4.
  • Make sure it has all the Four Basics of Good Definition.
  • Make sure you include transitions to move readers smoothly from one example to the next.
Edit your revised draft. See Chapters 14 through 17.
  • Correct errors in grammar, spelling, word use, and punctuation.