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Definition Paper

This in-class essay should be between 300-500 words. You can bring the following to class:

– an illustration/chart/graph (using an outside source is allowed)

– a few selected quotes from at least three reliable sources (fewer than 100 words)

– a works cited page that includes all of the sources, including the source of the illustration

 

First, pick a term or concept from your field of study. It should be something that a general audience would not be able to easily define, even though they are probably familiar with the word.

The ten definition methods are:

– Formal definition [Required]

– Illustration [Required]

– Example(s) [Required]

– Etymology

– History and background

– Negation

– Operating principle

– Analysis of parts

– Compare and contrast

– Analogy

 

Your paper should include at least six of the ten methods above, and every paper must have a formal definition, an illustration, and an example. In addition, every paper should include at least three outside sources and at least three in-text citations in MLA format, with a Works Cited page.

One of the first sentences of your essay should be a formal definition. This sentence must have a rigid format of three parts in the exact order: the item, class, and distinguishing features. The item is the concept or term being defined, the class is the category where the item belongs, and the distinguishing features are the characteristics that differentiate the item from other items within the same class.
Example: Diabetes [item] is a metabolic disease [class] caused by a disorder of the pituitary glad or pancreas and characterized by excessive urination, persistent thirst, and an inability to metabolize sugar [distinguishing features]. You are allowed to use a quote for the formal definition.

Here is my in-text citations FAQ for MLA format

Here is the full citations guide

Here is the grading rubric

Here is the sample paper (“Postmodernism” by Rob Frank)

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