Student Writing Handbook Fifth+Edition

Short Answers / 369

STEP 3: Revising and Proofreading—Checking

Mechanical Details

Once you have completed your definition, make sure you have included all three
parts, in order, and that you have used accurate spelling, grammar, mechanics, and
usage.

SAMPLES of SHoRT-ANSWER DEfINITIoNS

The following definitions can serve as examples for your own work.

A lien is a claim on the property of another as security for the payment of a debt.

An armadillo is a burrowing mammal of Texas and Central and South America that has an

armor-like covering of bony plates over its body.

A bulkhead is an upright partition dividing a ship or airplane into compartments to protect

against the spread of fire or water in case of an accident.

ANALYSIS of THE SAMPLE SHoRT-ANSWER

DEfINITIoNS

The preceding definitions follow the pattern suggested. Each begins with a term and
continues by giving the class identification. The remainder of the sentence contrasts
the term with others in its class. Note the precision used:

Term Class Difference

lien claim on property as security for the payment of a debt

armadillo burrowing mammal has an armor-like covering of bony plates

bulkhead upright partition dividing a ship or airplane into compartments to protect

against the spread of fire or water in case of an accident

This format guarantees precise and accurate definitions of virtually any term. [If you
need more than a short-answer definition, see Chapter 9, Definition.]

lists

While lists may seem easy to develop, too many students write them as mere groups
of items. Lists that serve as short answers on tests and applications should reflect
thought and show some sense of organization.