DEFINITION ESSAY
Choose one term from discussions/notes on the threesummer reading texts (see lists) and decide on the best way to define the term. In some ways, this paper is similar to an open argument essay in that you are going to illustrate your thoughts on this term through literature and history and current events and personal anecdote and I am excited to see what else. It is not similar to the open argument essay because you have time to explore, time to craft your language to enhance meaning and have an impact on reader. You must use (at least) one of the summer reading texts as part of your support. How heavily you rely on that text is up to you; challenge yourself to explore the word thoroughly before you make this decision. The better papers choose many paths to follow. Pre-writing/discovery is essential for this paper.
PRE-WRITING
-List all of the qualities or characteristics of the word, along with any qualifiers that distinguish it from another word/category
-Find all of the denotations for the word (look at various dictionaries)
-Find the etymology of the word and note changes over time/place
-Examine the different parts of speech for the word and note variant meanings
-Check out this website for help
-List all connotations you associate with this word - even if they seem irrelevant (connotations in modern life, in your life, in history (think about context), in fiction/non-fiction, anecdotes, concrete/abstract associations)
-List synonyms and antonyms of the word; think about nuances in language (what it is, what it is not)
-Think about the word in relation to the summer text(s) you will use as evidence and in relation to other literature/history/current events
-Go throughdialectical journalsand highlight the word (or a synonym)
-Find quotations from the text using the word (or synonym);note significance
(Note: The word might be defined differently in different instances.)
-Think about each character’s perspective on or association with this word
(Note: As the characters change, their association with the wordmay change)
-Find quotations containing the word online that suit your ideas
-Take risks with language: metaphors, similes, analogies, catalogues, parallelism, antithesis, paradox
Once you have gathered a variety of notes on your word…
Outline or Map out the paper. Think about the definition essays we have looked at together. How did they define their terms? Go back over your pre-writing notes, cut superfluous pieces,and make decisions aboutstructure: best way to organize your paper, best way to define the term clearly. If you spend time and effort on pre-writing, the paper will be much easier to write.
Your outline or concept map may be structured in different ways:
Subtopics focused on different denotations,different connotations, different quotations, different characters’ perspectives on term, chronological development in history or text, or a variety of these. You will likely need to revise your map. As Annie Dillard suggests, look at your writing (and outline/map) “coldly, analytically, manipulatively” (12).
Outline or concept map is due on Friday, October 3rd. Don’t procrastinate!
DRAFT
I am not collecting a rough draft since everyone has the option to rewrite this first paper, but here is advice…
Write a rough draft at least three days before due date. Don’t look at it for a day and then reread and revise with fresh eyes (several times). If you would like my help in advance, you could bring a draft or a portion of a draft at least two days before due date (I never look at papers the day before they are due).
*Title your essay creatively (perhaps not until after you have written the paper)
*Intro Possibilities
*Grab the reader’s attention with languageand set forth main ideas on term
Make decisions based on what you found in your research. You might include denotations, connotations, etymology, anecdote, metaphor, allusion, paradox, or other literary device, what “it” is not contrasted with what “it” is, a quotation from text or from another source, comparison/contrast of definition in past v. current times, a look at the term throughout history…You might have two intro paragraphs: one that focuses on the word generally and another that brings your definition(s) down to the main sections in paper.
*Body of Essay
Don’t limit yourself in number or length of paragraphs or in explanation of ideas; probably the more you write, the clearer your definition; if you have a wordiness issue, be sure to “trim the fat” and rid your paper of “fluffy fillers,” keeping only relevant material, focused on term.
In case you need a generic body P structure - not to limit, but to remind, see MEAL paragraph structure on the school website. Make statements to be proven to begin paragraphs/sections; always provide a variety of detailed evidence and thoughtful analysis, blending quotations and citing properly; always return to your word/angle in this section.
*Body Structure Possibilities
- Discuss several denotations/connotations of a word, and break up essay so that each section focuses on one meaning, pulling examples/specific quotations from notes and text to prove
-Discuss what the word is and what it is not
- Explain definition by describing how it applies to various situations in text, in life
- Compare/contrast how the definition applies to some characters/people and not others
- Compare/contrast definition(s) then and now, looking at etymology/changes in meaning
- If tied to text, move chronologically through the text- perhaps the definition (like many of the characters in each text) goes through different stages
- Compare/contrast term at different points in history, through personal anecdote, through text
- Let metaphoric language guide your structure.
*Structure depends on the word you choose…let your research/evidence guide you.
*Structure Tips(based on issues I have seen in past) – Don’t lump definitions/quotations, etc. (sprinkle throughout paper and then make the general idea concrete with a specific); avoid too few or too surface or too many merely listed specifics; keep returning to your word (that is the point of a definition essay); don’t focus on only one definition (explore various paths throughout); don’t think in paragraphs, think in sections; don’t put anything that it not interesting or illuminating in your paper (if definition or etymology is boring, don’t use it).
REVISE
Does the intro paragraph grab the reader’s attention? Is your essay structured well? Is it clear how you are breaking up subtopics? Does your paper flow logically? Are your body sections structured well (general – specifics – general)? Are all of your ideas/specifics clearly and fully explained? Are your quotations cited properly? Have you used sophisticated diction, transitions, and links to aid clarity? Is your syntax varied? Have you taken syntactical risks? Can you addlivelier descriptive adjectives/power verbs/metaphoric language to enhance? Do you need to add for clarity or cut for wordiness? Have you carefully crafted your language as good rhetors do? Does your concluding paragraph wrap up and leave the reader with something interesting to think about? Isthe term well and fully defined and isthe paper focused on definition(s)/angles on term throughout? Is your paper interesting?
EDIT
Only a final proofread and minor edits should be done on the day before any paper is due. If you have editing issues, seek help. Be sure paper is typed in MLA format.
Paper due – Tuesday, October 14th (hard copy in class and uploaded to turnitin.com)