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Definition Article


A definition article defines what a term means. Sometimes a term is easy to define clearly. For example, “What is a dollar bill?” Other times it is not so easy like, “What is love?” In the first case your only problem may be finding enough to say about a dollar bill. In the second case you will have plenty to say, but may not know entirely how to say it. This is  where your knowledge of the definition article structures will save you a lot of time and energy.

1. Tell readers what you are defining

  This is the most important thing to make clear to your reader early. As in, put it in the title, and repeat it in your thesis statement. In your thesis statement you will also want to provide a brief definition (not a dictionary definition). The longer you go without your reader knowing what you are talking about, the more likely you are to lose them.

2. Determine how you are going to define your term

There are a number of methods you can use to define your term.   The most common methods I use are structure, function, origin and analysis.

  • Structure – Simply how something is put together or organized.
  • Function – How it works.
  • Origin- Describing how an idea or object was created to fulfill a need is a great platform for defining it.
  • Analysis – Compare and contrast with the way other things accomplish the same task, or with the way things in the past have attempt to accomplish the task.

3. Make it understandable and personable

A common theme in writing your articles is considering your audience and making it clear to them. You will want to use facts and examples that are easily understandable to your readers. For more personality you can add anecdotes. Anecdotes should further define your term and provide a connection with your audience. If they do not, they should not be included.

Once you have made these basic decisions you are ready to start writing your article.

What to Expect


In the beginning you will probably not be able to do all this in your head or get it “right” the first time. With practice and then more practice, this will become second nature. You will think of (or get assigned) a subject, make these decisions quickly in your head and be writing the article within minutes (assuming you already know the subject, otherwise you will need research before starting any of this process).


In the next article we will be covering DESCRIPTION ARTICLES.

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