Definition Essay Assignment

Using traditional essay structure, write a definition essay on a word or phrase that I preapprove in class. You should choose a word that you feel very familiar with that other people need to understand more fully to gain perspective on your hobby, job, culture, or popular culture in general. Concepts that people misunderstand, misuse, or that can be interpreted in many different ways often benefit from sustained definition. Use the definition techniques listed in the rubric and that we discussed in this unit to provide strong development in your body paragraphs. As an alternative, you may select a term that applies to you based on the list of accomplishments you generated. Be sure to pick a word or phrase you feel very qualified to explain in an essay of 600 words or more WITHOUT research. All essays will be run through a plagiarism checker.

The A essay demonstrates clear overall excellence and it includes . . .

1. an effective lead-in (techniques for development include starting with an opposite, quote, shocking fact, question, anecdote, or necessary background information)               
2. a clear, compelling thesis at the end of the introduction that addresses the PREAPPROVED TERM
3. a well-worded essay map (three major points for body paragraphs)
4. three well-organized body paragraphs
5. strong topic sentences at the beginning of each body paragraph
6. smooth transitions between and within paragraphs
7. interesting, specific, and relevant examples in each body paragraph that show, explain or prove the topic sentence; for the definition essay, these should include examples of famous people / characters, negation, comparison, classification, process, description, and/or narration within the body paragraph
8. a well developed conclusion that returns to the central idea, provides closure, and leaves the reader with a suggestion, warning, call to action, OR a relevant question or quote
9. be well-developed with more than 700 words
10. be virtually free of grammar and usage errors 
11. use a consistent and appropriate tone, have sentence variety, and appropriate vocabulary