Overview: A definition essay allows you to define an idea, a concept, a phrase, or even a word. Your first major essay for this class will require you to write an “extended” definition of a particular word, phrase, or concept. “Extended” means you have to move beyond how a dictionary or Google defines a word. Instead, you will be asked to elaborate on what you understand a word or concept to be by offering detailed explanations, examples, even data or statistics, or news stories. Develop a thesis, and then support this thesis in the body of the paper. If you utilize research, you must include in-text citations and a Works Cited page.
Topic Write an “extended” definition of a particular word, phrase, or concept. “Extended” means you have to move beyond how a dictionary or Google defines a word. Instead, you will be asked to elaborate on what you understand a word or concept to be by offering detailed explanations, examples, even data or statistics, or news stories.
Research: This is not a research paper. You may use credible, scholarly sources if you choose. The sources may come from a website, journal, book. You must include a correctly cited in-text citation and a Works Cited page. You cannot use Wikipedia, Debate.org, ProCon.org, The Onion, or Daily Mail or any fake news web site. .
Plagiarism: Your essay will be automatically submitted to TurnItIn to check for plagiarism. Plagiarized essays will earn a grade of 0. Please review the plagiarism policy as stated in the course syllabus.
Length: The essay must be 2-3 full pages minimum.
Format: Use MLA 8 format for title, heading, citations, and the works cited page. Your works cited page must be included but does NOT count as part of the page minimum.
Word Choice: Use Third Person Point of View and a formal tone. Avoid using, slang, informal language, and contractions.
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