Eng100BC

Argument Peer Review

Definition Writing
Prewriting
Planning

Argument Sample Essays

Groups
What makes a good argument?
What makes a good annotated bibliography?
Rank essays in order from best to worst

Peer Review Essays

Exchange essay with a peer
Complete peer review worksheet
Utilize proofreading checksheet
Return both to the writer (your peer)

Definition Essay Writing

Writing Definition

What is definition?
Combines narrative, division, comparison and
contrast, process, and cause and effect essays
Give dictionary definition in single sentence
Analyze the subject, give examples or details
Define technical or specialized words

Writing Definition

What is the difference between denotation

and connotation?
Denotative
Dictionary definition

Connotative
Feelings associated with a word

Writing Definition

How much do you include in a definition?

Every word has
Dictionary definition
A wife is a woman married to a man
Nuances
Wifes responsibilities
Connotations
stereotypes

Every definition has other words/phrases that need to

be defined

Writing

How do you structure a definition essay?

Definition uses a variety of structures
Choose a subject
Think about its essential characteristics, steps, or
parts
Find examples to define the subject

Plan organization by seeing how information can

be presented most effectively to reader

Revising

How do you revise a definition essay?

Paying attention to your audience
Have you adequately and clearly defined your
subject?
Have you used words readers will understand?

Checking organization
Inductive begin with denotative definition and
expand with examples
Deductive give examples and details leading to
denotative definition

Revising

How do you revise a definition essay?

Beginning and Ending
Avoid sentences like According to Websters
dictionary
In conclusion avoid simple repetition of short definition

Link back to introduction

Prewriting

Open the file titled

eng100_Balderdash_definition_prewrite
Choose a word from the list
Use the prewrite/plan sheet in the file
Do not look up the denotative definition of the
word.
Make-up a denotative definition of the word
Make-up connotative definitions of the word
Give examples/details of the word

Prewriting

Complete this graphic organizer

Planning

http://programs.northlandcollege.edu/owl/Doing
%20the%20definition%20essay.htm

Planning
I. Introduction
A. Attention getter
1. You may want to include the traditional or dictionary
definition here to provide a basis for your personal definition.
2. You may want to open with a contradictory image to what
would be your image to illustrate that definition.
B. Background information
1. Often unnecessary in this type of paper

2. However, you may need to provide some background about

the term or your connection to the term.
C. Relevancy and Thesis
1. Give readers a purpose as to why this definition is being given.
2. State how you define the term. If you can write the definition
using specific points, you will find the definition easier to follow when
writing the paper.
II. Body
A. Point one
1. The first part of your definition of the term.
2. Example to illustrate that point.

3. Analysis of how the example illustrates the point.

B. Point two
1. The second part of the definition of the
term.
2. Example to illustrate that point.
3. Analysis of how the example illustrates
the point.
C. Point three
1. The third part of the definition (if there is
one)
2. Example to illustrate that point.
3. Analysis of how the example illustrates
the point.
D. Point four, etc.
III. Conclusion
A. Review your definitions main points
1.
2.
B. Closing attention getter
1. Sometimes a reference back to the
opening attention-getter is a good way of unifying the
entire essay.
2. You may want to close with an
explanation of how your definition has affected you.

For Tuesday
Prepare for Quiz #4 (brackets, ellipsis, quotation marks,
parallelism, misplaced & dangling modifiers, MLA)
Essay #4 Annotated Bibliography final copy due

Definition Prewriting and Planning due

or bring chocolate and other food for a party