Your second paper assignment deals with definition in argument, and I'd like you to write an extended definition for a particular idea, term, or phrase. The starting point could be your dictionary or your opinion of a particular definition (if you use the dictionary, it's your only research source and you must cite it—do NOT use Wikipedia). You will be presenting a case for your definition simply because you've chosen to develop it. Don't forget that argument can be based on how a term is defined. You may want to define a particular slang term that others may not understand, but avoid the vulgar or offensive slang terms (i.e. fire crotch was a favorite one year; THOT last semester), as you will be sharing these with your classmates.
Process:
For Example…
Consider expanding your definition and refining it by using some personal examples and stating your opinion as to why your particular slant on the word is necessary. For instance, if you think that the term "divorce" is inadequately defined--"The dissolution of a marriage by law"--because it doesn't mention the long term effects divorce may have on the children, then you might want to work on developing the definition in the direction of the impact divorce has upon children and on why you think that impact is a necessary component of the overall perception of the term. This is one way that you can approach the expansion of the definition. You may not use the term “divorce” for this assignment. You can also look to build upon the dictionary's definition by providing some examples, which you feel will help to clarify your definition or which may make it more readily accessible to your readers. You're not trying to win a fight here, but you are trying to present a clear, coherent view of how you perceive a term or phrase.
You can use similes, metaphors, analogies, examples, negation, and any other elements we've read about or mentioned in class as part of your development in making your definition clear. Remember that if you use negation (this may be a new term for you), saying what it is not or how it should not be interpreted, as a method of development, at some point you have to state the positive aspect, saying what it is or how it should be seen or interpreted. Try to stay focused on your topic and don't wander off into unrelated areas. Keep in mind that you are trying to present a specific definition, and are not necessarily arguing against the other side of a particular issue.
This paper should be two (full) to three typewritten pages. It must be typed, stapled, double-spaced, Times New Roman 12 point font, one-inch margins all around. Take time to proofread your final copy and feel free to come to me if you want help or if you just want to get my observations on what you've done. As always, I will not accept any late papers or papers not given to me directly in class. *Don't forget to title your essay, and put some thought into your title--it's the first thing your reader sees and often sets the tone for how he/she will approach the essay itself. Good luck.
Product: This assignment should be around 300 words for the first draft and 600 words for the second draft.
This is not a personal narrative, but can be written in first or third person. Avoid second person "you" tense.
For the written text, please format as follows: 12-point font, double-spacing. Please include an original title centered at the top of the project. We will use these criteria to evaluate your project:
Sample definition essays
* Sample student essay- define Macedonian
*Sample student essay- define Geek
*There are three in Chapter 17 in your book
* "A Truly Uplifting Essay on Depression"
* "Why the Modern Definition of 'Hipster' is a Problem"
*"The Marrying Kind"
* "Feminism Today: What does it mean?"
More inspiration-- consider looking at the newest words added to the dictionary in 2016
Words I would like you to avoid defining these overdone terms:
Notes on Introductions
Need some ideas? You do NOT have to choose from this list. Here are some terms that our 098 classes have brainstormed this semester:
Process:
- Your topic is a question about a definition of a term or its category (for example: What does it mean to be (a)_______?)
- Your thesis will be something along the lines of: Although the agreed upon definition of ___________, is _____________, I argue it means more than that. I define __________________ as________________________.
- The question must be arguable- i.e. the word you are defining is something else to you than it is to someone else. So don't state the obvious.
- Avoid poor topics: topics that are too extensive, too expected or cliché, or aren't arguable, such as:
- questions that can be answered by looking at a dictionary or other reference make poor topics. No one is going to argue that an elephant is a pachyderm.
- papers about the definition of love or friendship tend to be weak because people are used to thinking of their characteristics a matter of personal rather than public preference.
- "Abortion is murder" is a definition argument, but you can't address the definition of life and the definition of murder in the page length you have available to you. Stay away from these clichéd topics. Stick with arguments that people are likely to disagree about or have never thought of, but still can be persuaded by.
- Avoid defining something only as "good" or "bad." That is an evaluation argument and not necessarily a definition argument. Whether the category is good or bad can be what's at stake, but it shouldn’t be the only argument.
- Example: "Sweatshop labor is bad" is a poor topic, but "Sweatshop labor is slavery" is a good topic choice. Whether you define sweatshop labor as slavery or not will certainly matter. People already feel that is bad, so if you can convince people that sweatshop labor is slavery, you've won your definition argument and people will hopefully disapprove of sweatshop labor as they disapprove of slavery.
For Example…
Consider expanding your definition and refining it by using some personal examples and stating your opinion as to why your particular slant on the word is necessary. For instance, if you think that the term "divorce" is inadequately defined--"The dissolution of a marriage by law"--because it doesn't mention the long term effects divorce may have on the children, then you might want to work on developing the definition in the direction of the impact divorce has upon children and on why you think that impact is a necessary component of the overall perception of the term. This is one way that you can approach the expansion of the definition. You may not use the term “divorce” for this assignment. You can also look to build upon the dictionary's definition by providing some examples, which you feel will help to clarify your definition or which may make it more readily accessible to your readers. You're not trying to win a fight here, but you are trying to present a clear, coherent view of how you perceive a term or phrase.
You can use similes, metaphors, analogies, examples, negation, and any other elements we've read about or mentioned in class as part of your development in making your definition clear. Remember that if you use negation (this may be a new term for you), saying what it is not or how it should not be interpreted, as a method of development, at some point you have to state the positive aspect, saying what it is or how it should be seen or interpreted. Try to stay focused on your topic and don't wander off into unrelated areas. Keep in mind that you are trying to present a specific definition, and are not necessarily arguing against the other side of a particular issue.
This paper should be two (full) to three typewritten pages. It must be typed, stapled, double-spaced, Times New Roman 12 point font, one-inch margins all around. Take time to proofread your final copy and feel free to come to me if you want help or if you just want to get my observations on what you've done. As always, I will not accept any late papers or papers not given to me directly in class. *Don't forget to title your essay, and put some thought into your title--it's the first thing your reader sees and often sets the tone for how he/she will approach the essay itself. Good luck.
Product: This assignment should be around 300 words for the first draft and 600 words for the second draft.
This is not a personal narrative, but can be written in first or third person. Avoid second person "you" tense.
For the written text, please format as follows: 12-point font, double-spacing. Please include an original title centered at the top of the project. We will use these criteria to evaluate your project:
- _____ Your argument is directed to a clear audience
- _____ Your argument clearly defines a word, phrase, or idea in a NEW way
- _____ Your argument does not address an overdone or cliché idea
- _____ Your argument has a clear purpose: persuade
- _____ Your argument provides a clear thesis statement
- _____ Your argument shows signs of careful proofreading with minimal grammatical,
spelling errors
Sample definition essays
* Sample student essay- define Macedonian
*Sample student essay- define Geek
*There are three in Chapter 17 in your book
* "A Truly Uplifting Essay on Depression"
* "Why the Modern Definition of 'Hipster' is a Problem"
*"The Marrying Kind"
* "Feminism Today: What does it mean?"
More inspiration-- consider looking at the newest words added to the dictionary in 2016
Words I would like you to avoid defining these overdone terms:
- Love
- Friendship
- Divorce
- Happiness/Joy
- Religion
- Abortion
- Family
- Success
Notes on Introductions
Need some ideas? You do NOT have to choose from this list. Here are some terms that our 098 classes have brainstormed this semester:
- Nerd
- Smart
- Street Smart
- Easy
- Slut
- Baller
- Real
- Trailer Trash
- Tool
- Hungry
- Mentally Ill
- too much sauce
- gender
- morality
- class
- Rich
- Secure
- Poor
- Loyalty
- Sexy
- Feminist