Essay #2 Assignment: Definition-2
Essay #2: The Definition Essay
When someone asks us what a particular word means, we do not just rattle off a dictionary definition; instead, we define the term as we understand it, usually offering up specific examples or other evidence to further clarify the meaning.
For our next essay, we are going to further explore a term that is used in the news today.
The topics:
In a 2 to 4 page essay
(PLUS a Works Cited page), define one of the following terms:
Fentanyl
What do you have to do?
We will include a
basic definition as well as an
extended definition, which may use specific examples, history, etymology, compare/contrast, and more.
The idea is not to write a technical article; instead, we are going to use
denotation and
connotation together to define a term
in such a way that our audience can easily understand.
NOTE: This is our first research essay, which means you must include correct
in-text citation and a
Works Cited page. Any essay that lacks either will receive a zero F. Also, any information in the essay without a citation that is not common knowledge is considered plagiarism, which will also result in a grade of zero F. Serious cases of plagiarism will be reported for Academic Dishonesty. I have includes lots of notes, video lectures, and quizzes in the Essay #2 module to prepare you. Learning these rules is up to you! (Remember that first discussion board about self-directed learning!)
Rules to remember:
· The essay must be typed and in MLA format.
· It must also
cite at least 3 scholarly sources, making sure to
use proper MLA citation both in the text and in a Works Cited page.
· Your 3 sources must come from
CQ Researcher, Academic Search Complete, NPR.org, and
PBS.org/Newshour.
· You may use more than three sources, but they can only come from one of these sources listed; information from any other source will be considered plagiarism and result in a grade of zero.
I strongly recommend starting with
CQ Researcher, then moving to
NPR and
PBS Newshour, and filling any specific “holes” in your essay by searching
Academic Search Complete.
Articles in
CQ Researcher,
NPR and
PBS Newshour are all pretty easy to understand; while
Academic Search Complete can provide good information, you run the risk of running into some overly technical articles as well.
Do NOT use the dictionary, an encyclopedia, or Wikipedia as a source.
Any final draft without in-text citations or a Works Cited page will automatically receive a grade of zero.
If you reference sources that you do not then include in your Works Cited page, that is also considered plagiarism and will result in a grade of zero.
The writing process:
Step 1:
Read about your topic. Look up your term in
CQ Researcher, PBS Newshour, and
NPR. (There are plenty of articles on all of the topics; I’ve checked!) Find interesting quotes. Decide what information you would want to quote directly, and what information you should paraphrase.
Step 2:
Brainstorm and outline. Now that you have a grasp on your topic,
how would you explain it to a friend?
What was the most interesting thing that you read? These should be the focus of your essay. You’re not writing an encyclopedia entry; you are explaining your topic to the class.
How would you explain your term to someone you know in real life?
Write an outline. Will you give some history about your term? A specific example? How will you connect your term to what’s happening right now?
1. Introduction and thesis.
Grab your reader’s attention! Maybe start with an interesting fact.
2. First body paragraph
3. Second body paragraph
4. Third body paragraph
5. Conclusion
(Depending on what you choose to include, you may have more than three body paragraphs; however, you should not have fewer. Remember that your essay must be
three full pages.)
Step 3:
Write the rough draft. Use your outline as a guide and write the essay one paragraph at a time. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence, add specific evidence from your sources, followed by your own analysis. Always connect quotes and paraphrases to your topic sentence. Don’t forget your parenthetical citations! (See the video on building a paragraph using research in the module.)
(Remember to choose the PDF version in
CQ Researcher to get the page numbers
. Leaving off the page numbers or using incorrect page numbers when citing
CQ Researcher is a mistake that will cost points.
With the
PBS Newshour and
NPR articles, you will not have page numbers, so use only the author’s last name in the citations.)
Add a Works Cited page after the rough draft is complete.
Step 4:
Revise and edit. Make sure that you never use first person (I, we, my) or second person (you, your) pronouns.
(10 point penalty) Check for fragments, run-ons, and comma splices. Edit carefully; even small mistakes matter!
Be prepared:
Because this is our first essay that requires
in-text citation, be sure to watch the videos in the Essay #2 module before you begin. There are three video lectures: The first covers direct quotes and paraphrases, the second explains the rules of in-text citation, and the final video walks through writing a body paragraph using research. All of these are very important and will impact your grade on the essay.
Also, read through the notes posted in the Essay #2 module about signal phrases, integrating sources into the essay, and avoiding plagiarism. There is also a 2016 MLA Guide PDF in the module. Read pages 3-6 for examples of correct in-text citation. There are also four quizzes due that will make sure you have mastered all of these skills before you finish the essay.
___________________________________________________
Common pitfalls that cost students points:
This essay may not include any instances of first person (I, me, we, us) or second person (you, your
.) (10-point penalty)
Your thesis statement must not be an
announcement. An example of an announcement: “In this essay, I will define…”
(10-point penalty)
Make sure your essay is 3 full pages at least.
(10 point penalty) If your rough draft is short, do not add filler words; instead, consider providing more specific examples; examples are always interesting! Don’t write a boring paper!
After you receive your peer review, revise and edit again.
Please upload your final draft as an attachment here. Read everything below and make sure you have followed all of the directions BEFORE you submit your paper.
NOTE: This is our first research essay, which means you must include correct
in-text citation and a
Works Cited page. Any essay that lacks either will receive a zero F. Also, any information in the essay without a citation that is not common knowledge is considered plagiarism, which could also result in a grade of zero F. Serious cases of plagiarism will be reported for Academic Dishonesty. I have includes lots of notes, video lectures, and quizzes in the Essay #2 module to prepare you. Learning these rules is up to you!
· The essay must be typed and in MLA format.
· It must also
cite at least 3 scholarly sources, making sure to
use proper MLA citation both in the text and in a Works Cited page.
· Your 3 sources must come from
CQ Researcher, Academic Search Complete, NPR.org, and
PBS.org/Newshour.
· You may use more than three sources, but they can only come from one of these sources listed; information from any other source will be considered plagiarism and result in a grade of zero.
Do NOT use the dictionary, an encyclopedia, or Wikipedia as a source.
Any final draft without in-text citations or a Works Cited page will automatically receive a grade of zero.
If you reference sources that you do not then include in your Works Cited page, that is also considered plagiarism and will result in a grade of zero.
Rubric
Definition Essay 2022
Definition Essay 2022
|
Criteria
|
Ratings
|
Pts
|
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeTHESIS and INTRO
The essay has a thesis—a single, central point that is interesting, original, striking and substantial. The thesis successfully defines the assigned term. The essay focuses on what makes the term interesting and relevant to the audience–the student’s classmates.
|
20 pts
Excellent
|
15.5 pts
Good
|
11.5 pts
Satisfactory
|
2.5 pts
Poor
|
|
20 pts
|
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeBODY PARAGRAPHS
Paragraphs are organized, unified and coherent. Each paragraph begins with a clear topic sentence. Each supporting paragraph is focused on a controlling idea. Paragraphs are well-developed with sufficient research and specific details. The paragraphs avoid generalizations and overly broad statements. Effective library research has been conducted. Sources are appropriate, support the thesis, and are integrated into the essay. Signal phrases are effective. Each quote includes analysis.
|
50 pts
Excellent
|
38 pts
Good
|
25 pts
Satisfactory
|
5 pts
Poor
|
|
50 pts
|
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeREVISION and EDITING
Sentences are mature and parallel. Writer avoids modifier problems. Sentences show variety of pattern and are rhetorically effective. The essay is written in a style and tone appropriate to the audience, topic and purpose.
|
30 pts
Excellent
|
20.25 pts
Satisfactory
|
3.75 pts
Poor
|
|
30 pts
|
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMLA WORKS CITED
All sources are correctly documented in a Works Cited page using MLA format. The hanging indent is applied to all citations. No important information is omitted from citations. The Works Cited page is on the last page of the essay, separate from the rest of the essay.
|
50 pts
Excellent
|
40 pts
Good
|
20 pts
Satisfactory
|
8.33 pts
Poor
|
|
50 pts
|
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMLA IN-TEXT CITATION
Parenthetical citation is used correctly. All information in the essay that is not common knowledge is immediately followed by an in-text citation. Signal phrases, direct quotes, and paraphrasing are all used correctly.
|
50 pts
Excellent
|
40 pts
Good
|
20 pts
Satisfactory
|
8.33 pts
Poor
|
|
50 pts
|
Total Points: 200
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