2-5 pages double spaced. I included some attachments. I’m pretty much open on any suggestions you might have. as you read in the attachments  it cant be an “over used topic” That part is the reason why I’m seeking your assistance. Let me know what you think please :)The following words are NOT to be used in ANY essay for this course: I, me, my, mine, you, your, you’re, in conclusion. ) Also I appreciated listing your sources on the last paper, but i re-read the syllabus  and She only wants that on the final research paper. Thank you! I look forward to work with you again.

Attachment

Description of Assignment

Definition essays require careful thought.  We use language rather carelessly in our daily lives, assuming those around us will clearly understand what we are attempting to express.  As most people realize, this often fails to occur.   Consider how common terms can be interpreted in a variety of ways:

“Beer Fest” is a great movie.

She is a beautiful woman.

The school football team is really strong this year.

Can “great” mean the same thing to all people?  Do you think everyone would agree that “Beer Fest” is “great”?  Or is it only great for people who like scatological humor? Do all people agree on what makes a woman beautiful?  In regards to a sports team, can’t “strong” mean a variety of things? more experienced players? improved facilities? coaches with records of wins?

After carefully reading the chapter in The College Writer, this should be clear.

For this assignments students should select a word or phrase that is abstract, which means it does not identify a clearly understood fact but a term about which informed people would debate.  The essay should then argue for a particular definition of that word/phrase through the use of examples, descriptions, analogies and analysis.

Notice: Abstract doesn’t mean “two different meanings” but a multitude of interpretations of the word.

Words such as “addiction” can be defined directly, and are not abstract.

Students at the college level should have an understanding of the complexity of language, and the subtle differences in the way people use the same word.  That requires several pages of discussion using the tools explained in the above paragraph to complete.

Objectives:

1.  Examine a word or phrase that is abstract (i.e. intelligent, informed people hold differing opinions about this word/phrase) with careful thought and logical analysis.

2.  Display an awareness of the audience’s needs: what the audience already knows about the term, common misconceptions regarding it, details that need to be included and explained.

3.  Create a thesis that clearly offers the basic structure of the definition, which will be expanded upon in the overall essay.

4.  Attract audience interest within the first paragraph by appealing to common ground and making the issue pertinent to them.

5.  Develop an argument that is logical as well as creative, using analogies, descriptions, analysis and examples.

6.  Indicate a keen awareness of the nuances of language: connotation especially.

7.  Construct paragraphs that are unified and coherent.

8.  Construct sentences that are complete, clear and varied (simple, compound and complex sentences within the essay; no overuse of any one form)

9.  Correctly use punctuation.

10.  Correctly spell the words.

11.  Improve upon any weaknesses identified in earlier essays.

CHECKLIST

When revising the rough draft, or finalizing a revised draft, ask the following questions.

1.  Is the topic one that is both debatable, logical and not predictable? Does it show thoughtfulness and insight?

2.  Is the topic worthy of discussion at the college level?

3.  Is the thesis a complete sentence that offers a debatable definition of an abstract word or phrase?  Does the sentence set up the basis of an intelligent debate?

4.  Does the thesis contain words or phrases that prevent it from sounding like a fact, or as if it is the only way to define the word/phrase?

5.  Is the thesis placed somewhere within the first paragraph?  Does that first paragraph attempt to interest the audience?

6.  Are alternate definitions explained to the reader? Are they refuted?

7.  Does the content focus on the audience’s needs: expectations, knowledge-base, any biased attitudes or opposing views? Are enough details, explanations and definitions offered to strengthen the argument?  Is background given as to how the word/phrase came to have this meaning?

8.  Does the essay contain sufficient evidence that is valid and logical? Are there generalizations that need to be eliminated or corrected?  Are there other errors in logic that need to be corrected?

9.  Is the conclusion a full paragraph (more than one sentence) that is memorable and reviews the main argument?

10.  Are the sentences clear, coherent and complete? Is the grammar correct?

11.  Is the punctuation used correctly? Are there any spelling errors that need to be corrected?

12.  After reviewing the previous essay (Classification Essay), take note of errors in that assignment and check to see if these have been avoided or corrected in this assignment.  What are common weaknesses in your writing? Can you correct them? Do