Category or class

4. 
If helpful, use 
negation
to tell what your term does not mean.
5. 
Provide examples. Write at least one or two sentences for each example.
constitutes 
is more than 
is thought to be
denotes 
is not only 
traits
defi ned as 
means 
is understood to be
(continued on next page)
CHAPTER 24
DEVELOPING PARAGRAPHS: DEFINITION AND ANALYSIS
477
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Writing a Defi nition Paragraph Using a Step-by-Step Approach
This exercise will guide you through the construction of a paragraph using 
defi nition as the method of development. Start with the suggested term. Use 
the seven steps to help you work through the stages of the writing process.
Term:
 Cyberbullying
1. Put the term into a larger class 
2. What are the identifying characteristics of the term?
3. Defi ne the term using negation.
4. Give examples of the term. Write at least one or two complete sentences for 
each example.
5. Provide further analysis, historical or cultural, that would help the reader 
understand the term.
EXERCISE 
5
6. 
Provide any additional analysis necessary for an understanding of the 
term.
7. 
Write a concluding statement.
8. 
On a separate piece of paper or on the computer, copy your sentences into 
standard paragraph form. Redraft as necessary.
9. 
Do a fi nal reading to check for errors and omissions.
PART 4
CREATING EFFECTIVE PARAGRAPHS
478
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6. Copy your sentences into standard paragraph form. Redraft as necessary.
7. Final editing: Do a fi nal reading to check for errors and omissions.
CHAPTER 24
DEVELOPING PARAGRAPHS: DEFINITION AND ANALYSIS
479
Copyright 2010 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part.

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STUDYING MODEL PARAGRAPHS TO CREATE 
DEFINITION PARAGRAPHS
ASSIGNMENT 1: DEFINITION OF A MEDICAL CONDITION
Write a paragraph that will defi ne a current medical concern, one that is 
gaining a good deal of national attention. The following paragraph attempts to 
defi ne the phenomenon of 
autism
and includes some of the symptoms that are 
used to help diagnose the condition.