Grade 8 English

Second Term, HyfleXS SY 2022-2023

Definition Essay Outline

Writing a Definition Essay: “Breaking Labels”

INSTRUCTIONS: Carefully plan your definition essay by filling out the table below.
Make sure you answer each part in complete sentences. Review the RAFTS if you
need to remind yourself of what you need to write about.

APPROVED LABEL

APPROVED THESIS
STATEMENT

I. INTRODUCTION: Setting the context of your essay.

HOOK/GRABBER
(make sure that this
is relevant to your
thesis statement)

CONTEXT
BUILDING
(Write about the
context of your label
here)

THESIS
STATEMENT

II. BODY PARAGRAPH 1: The very core of your definition begins here.
Extensively define your chosen focus in this segment. Make sure that you make
use of reliable sources to support your points.

Topic Sentence
(What is the common
definition of your
label?)

Analysis
(How do others view
those who have been
given this label? What
could be the reason
why they are labeled
as such?)
Supporting
Information
(What online sources
or experiences can
help back up the
ideas you have
mentioned about the
label you defined?)

Transition to the
next idea
(Properly connect this
paragraph to the next
one taking into
consideration what
was discussed here
and what will be
discussed in the next)

III. BODY PARAGRAPH 2: Now that you’ve extensively defined your focus, what
are the implications of your definition? How can it potentially make a significant
change?

Topic Sentence
(What is your
“redefined” definition
of the label?)

Analysis
(How does your
“redefinition” of the
label affect the
common/dictionary
definition? What
misconceptions does
this
debunk/contradict?)

Supporting
Information
(What online sources
or experiences can
help back up the
ideas you have
mentioned about the
label you redefined?)

Transition to the
Conclusion
(Properly connect this
paragraph to the next
one taking into
consideration what
was discussed here
and what will be
discussed in the final
paragraph)
IV. CONCLUSION: End your essay on a proper note. Make sure to leave a lasting
impression to your readers. Think about the main goal of this essay and the
impact it can have beyond your words.

SUM IT UP
(Give your readers a
short rundown of what
went through the
discussion - state
things “in a nutshell”)

SIGNIFICANCE OF
WHAT’S BEEN
DISCUSSED
(Why are the things
you have discussed in
the essay worth
spending time on?
Give your readers a
good picture of the
impact something like
this can have.)

A POSITIVE
MESSAGE TO
OTHERS WHO
ALSO MIGHT
HAVE LABELS
(Make sure this essay
is not another one that
will be tossed to the
side - leave a lasting
message to your
readers about the
importance of
“breaking one’s label,”
and the change it can
bring for others who
may also do the
same.)

REFERENCES: You’re allowed a minimum of 2, make sure you’ve checked them out
properly and have narrowed them to the ones you need the most. Need more than 2?
Just copy and paste the table and add another one below

REFERENCE # 1:

TITLE:

AUTHOR/S:

DATE WEBSITE
PUBLISHED: SOURCE/PUBLISHER:

URL/LINK:

REFERENCE # 2:

TITLE:

AUTHOR/S:

DATE WEBSITE
PUBLISHED: SOURCE/PUBLISHER:

URL/LINK:

If you can see me right now, it means you’ve already finished your task!
You’re one step away not only from finishing this essay, but also from sending an important message to
everyone.
CONGRATULATIONS!