1. Some terms have concrete meanings, and you can define them in a few words. Other terms are more abstract and require more detailed definitions.
2. The terms values, faith, and human rights are abstract and require detailed definitions.
3. When you write a definition essay, provide a definition from a dictionary rather than stating what the term means to you.
4. Wayne writes a definition essay elaborating on the term sutures. Because he has to read it in
front of his English class and knows that many of the students don’t understand medical terms, he does not use them. What is Wayne doing?
a. considering his audience
b. generating supporting details
c. narrowing his topic
d. choosing a term to define
e. writing a first draft
5. Which of the following is not something you should do when writing a definition essay?
a. Choose a term about which you know something.
b. Try to explain what the term means to you,
c. Give only a researched definition of the term,
d. Give a clear definition,
e. Support your definition with examples,
6. Marcus wants to define the term punk. He takes ten minutes to write down as many details as he can. What is Marcus doing?
a. journaling
b. brainstorming
c. clustering
d. freewriting
e. questioning
7. Are the following terms neutral, positive, or negative? Cadaverous, emaciated, finicky, fussy.
a. neutral and negative
b. neutral and positive
c. neutral
d. positive
e. negative
8. Are the following terms neutral, positive, or negative? Home, thin, honest, child.
a. neutral and negative
b. neutral and positive
c. neutral
d. positive
e. negative
9. Emilio writes the following thesis statement for his definition essay: A criminal is a person
who does not think the law applies to him or her. How is he defining his term?
a. by synonym
b. by category and negation
c. by category
d. by negation
e. by negation and synonym
10. Antonia writes the following thesis statement: People who are antisocial are introverted
and shy. How is she defining her term?
a. by synonym
b. by category and negation
c. by category
d. by negation
e. by negation and synonym
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