Definitional Assignment Sheet

For this assignment, use my feedback to your definitional discussion board assignment to offer an original definitional argument.  Be sure to read my responses to all definitional assignments.

• Length:  The final draft should be 3 ½ -5 pages (including references page).
• Number of Sources:   3-5
• Write the entire argument from a 3rd person point of view.
• Use the same cover page format that was required for the rhetorical analysis.
• No abstract required.

Introduction Section

In this paragraph (or paragraphs), include the following:

• Background: What is the problem you are addressing?
• A short summary of the problem (who is the opposition? What does the opposition believe? Why? Introduce your position.)
• Your definitional thesis statement, placing it as the last sentence of the paragraph.

Note about your thesis statement: Your thesis statement should focus on the opposition’s belief, your main point (X is/is not a Y), and it should provide defining criteria that you will address in the body.

An example of a definitional thesis may read: Although some graffiti is vandalism, graffiti IS art when it includes (defining criteria 1, 2, 3…).

Body Section

1. Although clause: In the first paragraph, provide a fair presentation of the opposition’s belief. They may focus solely on the belief that graffiti is vandalism. In some cases, they may be right. You may even provide an illustration that supports this stance. (See how to employ supportive illustrations on p. 202 of The little seagull handbook).

2. Because rationales. Transition to your defining criteria as topics in the remaining paragraphs. Arrange them in an ascending order of importance to your thesis (good – better – best). Write at least one paragraph for each defining criterion.  Make sure to support what you say about each of them in the thesis in the body paragraphs.  Don’t contradict yourself. 

Generally, when you construct a body paragraph, you begin with a topic sentence that states the main idea of the paragraph.  From there, you move into including a piece of evidence – a quote or a paraphrase from a source– that supports your idea and that provides evidence of the idea you are discussing.  From there, discuss the idea using the quote or the paraphrase you included.

Conclusion Section

Write a one-paragraph conclusion in which you reinforce your thesis and offer a final conclusion about the essay. How could readers benefit from accepting your definitional thesis. 

References Page

Using the guidelines for creating an APA Reference page in The little seagull handbook or The OWL @ Purdue, create a References page. Double-space all lines, list sources alphabetically and employ hanging indents. If you are uncertain about how to do this refer to the APA formatting video I provided in the Rhetorical Analysis folder.  Remember that you do this because you have quoted and paraphrased from the work of another source.

You must create an entry for your defining criteria on the References page. Refer to the format provided on p. 184 of TLSH (# 12 Article in a reference book).

EXAMPLE:

Art (2020) In Merriam-Webster’s online collegiate dictionary (11th ed.). Retrieved from URL…..

List your reference citations alphabetically and double space all lines.