Concept/(Original) Definition Essay
For this next essay, you must explain a common word or phrase and convince the reader of your argument that this word or term has this extended/personal definition.
For this essay, you are required to create at least three body paragraphs, but three will only guarantee a B (if everything else is great). Body paragraphs should be seven sentences minimally, but introductions and conclusions can be a little bit shorter (five minimum). If you want an A, write four. Either way, the paper must be at least two full pages in length with a goal of three pages. 800+ words.
Take time on picking a topic. Pick something that interests you and that you can engage with for several body paragraphs. Pick something that interests you and that you can discuss with three body paragraphs of support. This is an argument to say this word/term means what you suggest it does. Make sure to read through the notes and required readings. Our focus for the entire essay is toward that of a stipulative definition while also focusing on ideas presented in the extended definition. The idea is to approach in a unique way and with strong, original crafted examples and ideas.
Make sure to include a solid introduction and conclusion that hook the readers and leave them with a strong closing thought, respectively. Think of all the strategies you can use to introduce your topic (questions? an anecdote, background) or wrap it up (returning to introduction but not the summary of main points). This must be written in MLA format. Grammar and sentence structure will play into a part of your grade.
What to avoid: A concept/definition paper IS NOT the following.
__X_It is not a research paper where you explain a hard to grasp scientific or historical “concept”. If you have a word that might not belong to one of the groups above, run it by me. Again, this is not research nor should it be based on looking up information. It needs to demonstrate only original thoughts.
___X_It does not in any way use a dictionary/internet definition of the word or phrase. That writing is very weak: once I read “Merriam Webster” or something that clearly comes from a source, it shows very little thinking outside of the box, which is key here. It is weak filler that we should avoid.
Consider these categories, but I am limiting to you the following types of topics.
_Identity: What is a word of phrase you use to identity yourself? Is it by skin color, nationality, religion, age, etc.? Pick a word or phrase from this area and focus in on personal experience and/or arguments of what it means to be that term.
Ideas can include but are not limited to be race, age, occupation, etc.
_Place/Milestone: Is college a place or an idea? Remote learning is something that can be easily looked up, but from experience, how do you see it? For some, a “college degree” has certain connotations (money, success, etc.) that can be quite boring, but the idea of this essay is to explore your opinion. This essay could also allow you to explore a physical place like home. As far as milestones are concerned, are their thoughts about future goals? Could your term be your desired occupation?
The idea that should be clear is that you’re not explaining something typical with a typical example. You’re trying to demonstrate creative thinking and take this approach to show a new spin on a word most can typically define.
The biggest issue with this essay is that students don’t realize they should be writing about what interests them, not a science paper. This is very open ended, but it all depends on picking good term, making that the subject and saying something new about said term.
Consider the different strategies when writing.
-Narration-Tell an anecdote or several short, personal stories that demonstrate why you feel this way about this word.
-Exemplify- Give examples and showcase what the term means.
-Negate/Contrast-Show what the term doesn’t mean (perhaps a common misconception made about the term…this might be a good technique to introduce the concept).
-Compare: Show how this idea is similar to others.
Requirements (Use this as a checklist)
__Minimum five paragraphs overall: intro, 3 body, conclusion.
__Final copy typed in MLA with no errors (counts as 5%-if you use Google docs, take a moment to find the right template or proper instructions to create an MLA style paper).
__ A full rough draft process to be completed in class (10%)
___No research (no need for traditional definition, which is only filler)
___ An original title (try to go beyond just the single term but don’t write a full sentence).
___ A clear term/word that is included in the thesis statement and/or introduction. This should be a simple word or phrase.
___An interesting, original introduction that is at least five sentences and goes beyond just spelling out the topics.
___A clear thesis statement toward the end of your introduction that shows your term and main argument (could show your topics).
___3 or 4 body paragraphs with topic sentences with original support that is thoroughly detailed, uses strong examples and could include other writing techniques (see other side of sheet). This paper does not use research.
__Each body paragraph should have about seven sentences of content/support
__A conclusion that does something other than summarizes and is at least five sentences.
__800+ words, likely over two pages of content
Due Dates
–Rough Draft, must be finished before we start class (don’t show up without a rough draft)
-Final Draft (printed, in MLA) with Rough Draft and Peer Review
See list below for a full checklist of requirements
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