The Assignment
This paper requires that you write an essay that argues for the definition of a concept, term, or idea. The essay will include external research and must be 3 – 4 typed pages long (not including the Works Cited).
Purpose
Write to argue, since you’re redefining a term readers believe they know. Convince us that your claims about the definition are valid. Your readers have a familiarity with the word/phrase you have chosen. Do not retell them. Avoid the pitfall of writing an editorial or summarizing blandly. What does the word argue? How do you understand this word?
Focusing the Topic
Definition is a challenging rhetorical mode. Writing definitions, one might be asked to challenge a widely accepted definition, create a controversial definition, or try to figure out if something fits an existing definition. For this assignment, you must apply informal research. You may not use any cited definition in your introductory paragraph (e.g., Webster’s, specialized dictionary, etc.).
Using at least one library database article source other than reference works or dictionaries, write a 3-4-page essay supporting an arguable thesis that defines a term or phrase in the following topic:
Define ONE specific type of technology. Name the one specific type of technology; do not generalize. Define the function, purpose, aim, and cultural impact of the technology. The definition should create a clear understanding of the technology beyond it’s technical or basic description. Technology is a huge term so you must narrow it down to something specific and tangible (electric cars.)
Narrow your focus so your definition is more specific than “defining _____.” Include a thesis claim about the word being defined. It must be provable and arguable
Keep in mind that you can approach the argument of definition by the following:
-Formulating a definition (what is X)? Terrorism is any non-wartime act of violence undertaken for political gain.
-Challenging a definition (Y is not X). Violence is undertaken as a part of a revolt against an oppressive regime is not terrorism.
-Trying to determine if something fits an accepted definition (Y is/is not X). The Irish Republican Army is/ is not a terrorist organization.
Additional Information:
You may not use dictionary.com (or other) definitions in your introduction. Also, any cited definitions need quotes around used words—something many writers neglect. No wikis or websites are allowed. Only use published sources. Published sources may also appear online, but they must have a print counterpart. Check the bibliographic information.
Decide whether the essay will expand, reduce, or alter the meaning of a term. You can adopt a surprising number of strategies for an argument of definition. You will argue that your definition is the most valid one. This means you compete with other definitions. Some writers try and expand our accepted definition while others attempt to limit a definition’s applications.
Don’t Forget. . .
Avoid overuse of I or you. This is not a subjective writing piece.
Spell out contracted words (e.g., “don’t use don’t ” ) in formal essays.
Only papers in MLA format are accepted. Arial and Times are accepted fonts.
Anticipate problems when you narrow the topic. Sharpen your focus so that you can do a three-page paper on the topic—it’s not a book or a one-page essay, either. You cannot do much in such a short space. A paper that floats around in a topic much too big for it will receive a poor grade.
Focus on connotations (readers would bring) and denotations (dictionary definitions). These often clash or reveal boundaries of definitions.
Close non-examples are ways of bringing focus to an argument of definition.
Use well-placed examples. Relate the extent to which an example is typical or representative; we do not want to commit the fallacy of misleading vividness.