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Sentence Strategies for Definition

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Writers frequently include definitions in essays that explain concepts. Essay exams also may require students to define terms. If you need to integrate a definition into an essay or exam, one or more of the following sentence strategies may provide a jumping-off point. Remember to make them your own as you revise.

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[phenomenon/event/process] is [a/an] in which [list defining characteristics].
Many people think the term means , but it might be more accurate to say it means .
What makes a good example of is , , and .
The [subject] is a [name genre or category of subject, such as romantic comedy or horror movie] because .
It is an innovative [name genre or category to which your subject belongs] because it not only includes [name standard features] but also offers [name additional features].
is rather unconventional for [a/an] [name genre or category to which your subject belongs] because .
is a brilliant embodiment of [name genre or category to which your subject belongs], especially notable for its superb and thorough .