ESSAY ASSIGNMENT # 1--DEFINITION
DR. KONCZ ENGLISH 103"Definition is closely related to classification. As such, it is a way of thinking in classes. But it is also a way of thinking in differences. Thus, definition is related to comparison and contrast. Definition and description are also closely related; definition is a kind of abstract description. Definition most resembles description when it restricts or sets boundaries to a thing, when it tries to tell exactly what a thing is. To define, then, is to set bounds or limits to a thing, to state its essential nature."
from Frank D'Angelo, From Process to Thought in Composition pg.126.
"If you think of definition as only a passive or mechanical act--copying out words you've looked up in a dictionary or giving back short, memorized answers from notes or textbooks--you'll need to revise your thinking. . . . But definition involves far more than committing crisp glossary definitions to memory. Defining is a continuous process, crucial to receptive reading and persuasive writing; and it is fundament- al to the critical thinking encouraged in all college courses. To define something is to look at it more clearly. We speak of something as well defined when we can perceive its boundaries against a back- ground. . . . Defining is seldom a matter of understanding an idea in isolation--it calls for seeing and understanding relationships. . . . Definitions are flexible. They can expand, contract, or shift in emphasis, all according to the uses to which they are put. They are also powerful. When we look at complex problems, definitions help to shape what we see and don't see."from Rose and Kiniry, Critical Strategies for Academic Writing, pp. 4-5.
"One of the most common questions people want to ask a writer is: "What do you mean?" We challenge words and phrases that don't tell us enough. We question words that promise more than the writer is willing to deliver. . . . When you write on a serious subject, you want your reader to see that the words you use are not just words. When you use a term like 'loyalty,' your reader wants to know what the term means in practice. He [or she] wants to know what it includes and what it doesn't. When you define such a term, you take time to spell out its exact meaning. You mark off the territory it covers. You make sure the reader can say: 'I see what you mean.' "from Hans P. Guth, Words and Ideas, pg. 105.
"Although a definition is seldom the length of an entire essay, there may be times when, depending on your audience and purpose, you will want to extend a definition. One way to extend a definition is to cite the different meanings of the term to be defined in different sections of your paper, rather than to define the term in a single sentence. To construct a definition based on this plan, you divide your definition into parts in your thesis sentence. You then add sentences to the thesis so that each successive sentence isolates and defines a part of the total meaning of the term. Each of the subsequent sentences will be in the form of a definition, and the sentences that make up the paragraph will form a relational pattern of definition."from Frank D'Angelo, From Process to Thought in Composition pg. 132.
from "Writing an Extended Definition":
". . . Here are some possible patterns for a theme devoted to definition:
- The History of a Term--Explain a word by tracing its development [throughout its history].
- Providing the Key--Focus your discussion of a term by making your definition the thesis that the rest of the paper will support.
- Finding the Common Denominator--Make your reader participate in the search. When you write about a term like fairness, your readers may prove suspicious of ready-made rulings on what is fair or unfair. You might get a more respectful hearing if you took the stance of the impartial observer, approaching the subject with an open mind.
- Drawing the line--Define a term by setting it off from a more familiar term to which it is closely related.
from Hans P. Guth, Words and Ideas, pp.116-9.Okay. So, what's the assignment? Here goes:
You are to produce one extended definition essay using the criteria as listed above, totaling 1250 to 1500 words, minimum.
You may write subjectively or objectively, introspective or research-based, anecdotal or without anecdotes, on a term somehow having to do with politics--pretty much anything goes--as long as there is evidence of critical thinking, and some new or unique way of approaching the term being defined. In other words, add something of yourself to your definition--and that doesn't mean that it must be personal. You can interpret your research in new and unique ways as well.
You may use any of the following types of definition strategies:
- Logical definitions: put the word to be defined into a class and then differentiate it from other members of the same class.
- Synonyms: substitute for a word or phrase an equivalent word or phrase. (Use a better known or less difficult word for one that is difficult or obscure.)
- Etymology: trace the origin and historical development of the word, including any change in its form or meaning.
- Dictionary definition: analyze and discuss various features of a dictionary's (or a number of dictionaries') definitions, such as order of senses, pronunciation, part(s) of speech, synonyms, or etymologies. Work these considerations into a compare- contrast or cause-effect pattern of development.
- Others: come see me with your ideas.
The Mechanics of the Paper:You will use 1 inch margins on the paper, and the upper right of the first page will contain your name, your course and section (e.g., 103B), the date, and the word count. No cover sheets please. Use a "standard" font, like Times New Roman or something similar (no Courier, please) and only 12-point size, nothing bigger or smaller. Spacing should be 1 1/2 or double and the right margin should not be justified (use "flush left, ragged right"). Either indent each paragraph or leave an extra space between paragraphs, not both, as that's redundant. Ask me if you have any questions.
Revised October 7, 2005