| There may also be examples of different
forms of the word. The Oxford English Dictionary provides the
same information as a standard dictionary, but it goes one step further
and actually shows the history of the word and what meanings the word
has had over time. In addition, there are often literary passages to
demonstrate usage of a word. Some words, however, are not easily
defined. These are words that express an idea or an abstract concept.
Often, writers will produce essays that offer an extended definition of
what a term means. Extended definitions can be purely personal or they
can be largely objective. A personal definition explains how a writer is
using the term and allows the reader to see a word in a different light.
For this assignment, you will write an extended definition on the
meaning of the term "hero."
Now, let me give you a word of caution here. I am not asking you who
your heroes are personally. The definition should be bigger than you.
What is a hero? What do heroes do? Who are heroes? You will use specific examples
to illustrate your definition,
but you need to be sure to select examples that your readers can relate
to if they are to understand your definition.
In order to define the term, you might use synonyms (words
which have the same or similar meanings), give examples, discuss the
word’s origins, develop comparisons, tell what the word is not, or
create an anecdote to show the word in action. You may consult a
dictionary, but do not use a dictionary quotation as the main part of
your definition. You may, however, integrate information you learn from
the dictionary into your extended definition. Work on getting past the
idea that everyone defines "hero" differently--that's obvious! I
don't want to read "Everyone has a different idea of what a hero is. .
." anywhere in your essay! Your task
is to
make the definition fresh by using your own understanding and experience
to illuminate the word’s meaning. You’re writing a definition
that not only explains how the word is generally used but also explains
your understanding of the word.
Prior to submitting your essay to me in class, you must submit your
essay to Turnitin.com. Assignments that have not been submitted to
Turnitin will not be evaluated.
Your
extended definition essay will
need to be a MINIMUM of THREE FULL
pages. When you turn in
your final draft you will need to include the following items (in this
order):
-
The
final draft of the essay (I will grade whatever is on the top of the
pile). Your essay must
follow the format outlined. Essays that are not typed in the prescribed format will be
returned unread and ungraded.
-
A
LETTER to me in which you discuss what interested you about this
topic. Describe any
difficulties you had with the assignment and how you attempted to
overcome those difficulties. And
finally, what do you think the strengths of your essay are, and what
would you still like to work on?
Keep in mind that this last question is not simply an
opportunity for you to “sell” your work.
I want your honest assessment.
Your letter should be one page hand-written.
Don’t try to write the letter in the five minutes before
class. I want to see
that you have put some thought into these questions.
-
All
rough drafts and prewriting
(including any activities we do in class related to this assignment)
When
you come to class the day your extended definition essay is due, your
packet should be ready to go. I
will not have a stapler or paper clips with me.
You need to take care of all of this before you come to class.
|