Download
1 / 14
E N D
Definition Essay #1
The Prompt: For your first essay, you will be writing an extended definition of a term. Begin by choosing one of the terms on the next slide. You will notice that each of these terms have conflicting or controversial meanings. Once you have chosen a term, find the dictionary definition. Then consider the following questions: How do people typically use this term? What has its meaning been historically, and how has the meaning changed? What does this term mean to you? You should then develop a 3-5 page essay in which you address the dictionary definition of the term, as well as the answers to the questions above. Your thesis statement should tell your audience your approach to the definition. In developing your extended definition, you may want to consider more than one strategy. For example, you might choose to use narration, exemplification, and description. For a brief example, refer to pages 47-48 in your textbook.
Terms: Human Geek Man Poetry Literature Independent HumbleFreedom Rich Terrorist Work Insanity Myth Obsession Science Addiction
But how do I write an entire essay defining a word? • There are several strategies to writing a definition essay. You might use narration, exemplification (examples), or description. You could also use a combination of these. The goal, however, is to argue for a certain definition. You can certainly use personal opinion in this essay.
For example: • Let’s say you’ve chosen to define “marriage.” First, you should look up the dictionary definition. • One definition reads: “the social institution under which a man and woman establish their decision to live as husband and wife by legal commitments, religious ceremonies, etc.” • Notice that this definition omits one key word that most people in our society associate with marriage: “love.” Therefore, you might choose to argue that this definition is inaccurate. You might also note that this definition specifies that marriage is between “man and woman,” which could easily lead to arguments on same-sex marriage.
Introduction • All effective essays should begin with a strong introduction. For this essay, your introduction should first grab the attention of the reader with an interesting quote, question, or anecdote. Your introduction should also include the dictionary definition of your term, and a clear thesis statement.
Body Paragraphs • The body of your essay should prove your thesis statement, and should remained focused on that goal. One paragraph might include a personal narrative, one might give an example to clarify the definition, and so on. Feel free to be creative and think critically. • Remember to use transitions between paragraphs. Words like “similarly” and “likewise” can be helpful. Do not begin body paragraphs with the words “firstly”, “secondly”, etc.
Conclusion • While you do want to remind your reader of your thesis statement, a concluding paragraph should do more than that. An effective conclusion will wrap things up, but will also leave the reader with a final thought or question.
What do you mean by MLA Format? • Different types of courses require different formatting styles. For English courses, you will be using MLA Format. • This is basically the way that your essay looks. You’ll have a header with your name, my name, the course title, and the date. Your last name and a page number should appear at the top of each page, and your margins should be 1 inch all around. Also, your essay will be double spaced. You can see an example of this when you read the sample essay within the Definition Essay Learning Module.
Important Dates: • Monday, January 26th – Rough Draft Due at 5:00 p.m. • All students have been assigned to a peer-editing group. Use Blackboard to send an email to me and to the members of your group. The email should include an attachment containing your rough draft for this assignment. Please be sure to use Microsoft Word. • Tuesday, January 27th – Comments Due at 5:00 p.m. • Once you have received an email from each member of your peer-editing group, you should download their attachment and carefully read their rough draft. Then, use the comment tool in Microsoft Word to make suggestions. Send each group member an email in which you return their rough draft with your comments, and in which you include one paragraph in the body of the email. This paragraph should respond generally to their rough draft, addressing suggestions not mentioned on the draft itself. You should CC me in these emails also. • Thursday, January 29th – Final Draft Due at 5:00 p.m. • To submit your final draft, click “Definition Essay – Final Draft” in the Definition Essay Learning Module. In the “Submission” Box, copy and paste your entire essay. Then click on “Add Attachments” and upload the essay using Microsoft Word. Once you are finished, click “Submit.” Remember that for each day an essay is late, three points will be deducted.
Grading: • Total possible points = 15 • Format – worth 2 points • Your essay should be typed in Times New Roman, 12 pt. font. Margins should be one inch all around, and the essay should be in MLA format. The length should be 3-5 full pages, double-spaced, and all pages should be numbered. Because this essay will require a little research, you should use parenthetical documentation when necessary, and you should have a works cited page. • Content – worth 7 points • Your essay should address the prompt completely. You should adequately support all points, and include specific details throughout. The essay should be well thought out and interesting to read. Be sure to have a coherent thesis statement, and be sure that your essay is focused. • Style – worth 3 points • Your essay should be well written, organized, and free of spelling and grammatical errors. Write in a tone that is both academic and interesting. • Process – worth 3 points • Be sure to participate in your peer-editing group. Pay close attention to deadlines so that all members can receive the opportunity for feedback. When commenting and responding to drafts, you should try to be as thorough as possible. The goal is to offer constructive (tactful) criticism to your classmates. Once you receive feedback from your group members, you should consider the suggestions made and complete your final draft. Your final draft should certainly show progress from your rough draft.
Great! Now you can get started! • You can find an example of a definition essay under the Definition Essay Learning Module. Once you read over this example, decide which terms from the list you think could be the most interesting. Then do a quick freewrite on each one to begin generating ideas.
