Definition

Introduction

A Definition of Purpose

Types of Purpose

Purposes and Strategies

Definition

Illustration and Example

Classification

Comparison and Contrast

Cause/Effect Analysis

How Audience Affects Purpose

Purpose and Writing Assignments

Purpose and Thesis

Additional Resources

Writing@CSU Home Page | Writing Guides | Purpose

Definition

Writers often use definition for key terms of ideas in their essays. A formal definition, the basis of most dictionary definitions, has three parts: the term to be defined, the class to which the term belongs, and the features that distinguish this term from other terms in the class.

Term	Class	Distinguishing characteristics
Democracy is	government	by the people, exercised directly or through elected representatives

Look at your own topic. Would definition help you analyze and explain your subject?

Writing Guides

Understanding Your Purpose

Definition