What are some tips on writing a good definition paragraph?

Answer 1

This paragraph develops an idea by means of a comparison with a similar idea. (Note that analogy is a useful tool, but using it can also lead to problems.) Light and all other forms of radiation are analogous to water-ripples or waves, in that they distribute energy from a central source. The sun's radiation distributes through space the vast amount of energy which is generated inside the sun. We hardly know whether there is any actual wave-motion in light or not, but we know that both light and all other types of radiation are propagated in such a form that they have some of the properties of a succession of waves.
When you are writing an analogy, you must understand the things you are comparing. Do some research and look up facts if you need to! Then, make a list of all the ways your subjects are alike. Make these into complete sentences and you have a paragraph.

Answer 2

When giving examples, you must do your homework and look up enough facts! There is no other way to give examples without getting the information first. Use your textbook, a library, an encyclopedia or dictionary, or a search engine like Google or dogpile.

Then, write your topic sentence. Under it, list every example you have found that explains or describes your topic. Make each example into a complete sentence, and you have your paragraph!

Addition of statistical data will support the example dealt.

Answer 3

Descriptive paragraphs make pictures in the reader's mind. A good descriptive paragraph will make a vivid picture.

In order to write descriptively, you must first learn to see - observe the world around you and think about what you are seeing. What colors do you notice? What sounds are there? Do you notice smells? How about the sense of touch - does the object you are observing have a specific texture or temperature? Can you taste the object?

Now, jot down some words and phrases that come into your mind about whatever you just observed.

Example:

Look at this website.

• bright colors - blue, red, orange, green
• cartoons of aliens
• boxes
• lists of information
• questions and answers

Next, write sentences about each thing you have observed - pretend you are talking to your friends and just write what you would say to them.

The WikiAnswers website pops onto my computer screen. Bright green, blue, orange, and red catch my eye and make me want to look at more of the site. I see that there are lots of neat questions and answers, and I want to explore further. There are funny little cartoon aliens everywhere!

You've just written a descriptive paragraph. The trick to making good paragraphs is to be a good observer. Practice observing - any time that you're not actually doing anything else, pay attention to the world around you. Waiting in line, travelling to a destination, sitting in a restaurant - all of these are great chances to observe!

Click on some of the related questions below for even more writing hints.

Answer 4

An explanatory paragraph explains! Here are some ways that you can explain something:

• explain by giving definitions for the topic
  
• explain by giving details or facts about the topic
• explain by giving examples of the topic
• explain by telling the steps of the topic
• explain by giving the parts of the topic
• explain by telling what groups the topic can go into, or what groups it can be divided into
• explain by telling a story about the topic
• explain by telling the chronological order of how the topic occurred

Any way that you can explain something will work! Remember to use correct English.

Answer 5

Illustration is a way of explaining something by example - you can also call this an exemplification paragraph.

Here are some tips - click on the Related Question for more information:

• use specific examples to support your topic
• use specific stories that show your topic
• use quotations to support your topic
  

Answer 6

A definition paragraph is just a paragraph where you define or explain the meaning of something. This paragraph is a definition paragraph!

If you don't already know what your subject means, look it up! Then just write a sentence telling each one of the meanings of the word or term or phrase.

Don't just copy what the dictionary says - put the definition in your own words and use examples that you made up!

Here's an example:
Using the Princeton dictionary website, here is what I found by looking up the word "question:"

• an instance of questioning; "there was a question about my training"; "we made inquiries of all those who were present"
• challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of; "We must question your judgment in this matter"
• the subject matter at issue; "the question of disease merits serious discussion"; "under the head of minor Roman poets"
• interrogate: pose a series of questions to; "The suspect was questioned by the police"; "We questioned the Survivor about the details of the explosion"
• a sentence of inquiry that asks for a reply; "he asked a direct question"; "he had trouble phrasing his interrogations"
• doubt: uncertainty about the truth or factuality or existence of something; "the dubiousness of his claim"; "there is no question about the validity of the enterprise"
• interview: conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting
• motion: a formal proposal for action made to a deliberative assembly for discussion and vote; "he made a motion to adjourn"; "she called for the question"
• wonder: place in doubt or express doubtful speculation; "I wonder whether this was the right thing to do"; "she wondered whether it would snow tonight"
• an informal reference to a marriage proposal; "he was ready to pop the question"

Here's how I can write a good definition paragraph about questions:

Questions can be many different things. A question can be an inquiring sentence which asks for a reply, as in "I have a question for you." The word can also refer to whatever subject matter is at hand, as in the sentence, "The question of ethics is a hot topic nowadays." A question can refer to some sort of doubt or undertainty, as in "There is no question I'm the best man for the job." Used as a verb, to question can mean the instance or act of questioning, such as "Police questioned the suspect." You can question whether something is right or question a celebrity for an interview. If you "pop the question," you are proposing to your sweetheart! Therefore, a question can mean many things to many people.