Student Writing Handbook Fifth+Edition

Definition / 85

PROCESS

The following process can help you plan, organize, write, and revise a definition. You
need to use the same process whether you write a single sentence or a full-length
theme; this section uses a middle ground, the paragraph, by way of example.

STEP 1: Prewriting—Putting the Term in Its Class

When you define a term, either within the context of another paper or as a paper in
itself, you must first put the term in its class. In other words, to what larger group
does this term belong? Consider the examples below:

Term Class

conifer tree

capitalism economic philosophy

hypothalamus part of the brain

gross income income

acrylic paint

Now, for the term you must define, list the class to which it belongs.

STEP 2: Prewriting—Deciding the Difference

After you have named the class to which the term belongs, you must decide how this
term is different from all others in its class. Study the following examples:

Term Class Difference

conifer tree stays green year-round

capitalism economic philosophy encourages free enterprise

hypothalamus part of the brain controls metabolism

gross income income before expenses are deducted

acrylic paint similar to oil paint but dries quicker

Now write a sentence in which you put the term in its class and show the difference
between it and other members of its class. For example:

A conifer is a tree that stays green year-round.